The Indianapolis Colts are off to a 3-1 start for 2025, but the taste left by last week’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams, 27-20, was bitter for everyone, and especially wide receiver Adonai Mitchell. Two costly mistakes on one night have had Mitchell requiring a reality check as the Colts prepare to play Sunday against the Las Vegas Raiders. The receiver is now in a niche position, both emphasizing the necessity to return and the competitive environment of the Indianapolis receiving corps.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN posted on X, ”After two costly mistakes last week, Colts WR Adonai Mitchell is expected to be active but in a limited role Sunday vs Las Vegas, per sources. Veteran Ashton Dulin could see more snaps in the team’s third receiver spot.”

In the Week 4 loss to the Rams, the Colts did have chances to put the game away, but Mitchell’s miscues proved too costly. The first was when he fumbled what would have been a 75-yard TD and crossed too far over the goal line, celebrating, and turned the play into a touchback. One gaffe alone cost them six points and shifted momentum.

Not much later, Mitchell had committed a holding penalty on a Jonathan Taylor touchdown, taking six points away from them again. If the Colts had not been so sloppy, they would have beaten Los Angeles very easily, again and again a reason why his playing time is limited.

Ashton Dulin, as a result, will get more playing time. With No. 5 receiver behind Michael Pittman, Josh Downs, Alec Pierce, and Mitchell, Dulin will have Tyler Warren vying for looks, too. At six years with Indianapolis now, Dulin has 35 receptions for 517 yards and four touchdowns, and the implication being that while providing them depth, there is some sort of production not guaranteed to him. Placed in perspective, Mitchell’s moments of brilliance show why the team still has faith in his growth despite errors. Mitchell’s season stats illustrate his contribution.

To date, in four games, he has five receptions for 137 yards, a season high of 75 yards. He had 96 yards on three catches against the Rams, though the fumble and penalty nullified the display. Alec Pierce may steal reps from Mitchell, but Mitchell’s ability and flashes of playmaking will ever provide him opportunities as he works his way back into coaches’ trust. Shane Steichen responded truthfully to Mitchell’s availability.

Whether or not he’ll play against Las Vegas, Steichen told ESPN’s Stephen Holder, “We’ll see.” He went on to explain Mitchell has owned up in team meetings, remarking, “He spoke to the team to start the team meeting. I had a conversation with him in my office today, letting him know that this moment doesn’t define who you are as a person. He knows going forward he’s going to have to earn it with how he practices and how he prepares.’‘

Steichen’s thoughtful response indicates the balance of fault and adjustment in arriving at an enriching receiver. Mitchell’s Reaction to the Mistakes Mitchell failed to shy away from being blamed.

Mitchell owns up to his mistakes

Referring to his fumble and holding penalty during a post-game interview, he stated, “The ball was put in my hand to make a play for the team. Just unacceptable… I just got to be better for the team and for the organization.” He categorized mistakes as learning experiences and continued to state, “The whole play happened because of me, and the only way I’m gonna be able to get forward is… just growing.”

Returning to the fumble at the goal-line, Mitchell acknowledged, “I lost focus… I made a play that can’t happen.” He went so far as to compare it with a play the previous year against the Denver Broncos, saying, “Coach said after Jonathan [Taylor] lost that fumble on the goal line in Denver, he made it a point of emphasis to everybody in the room. Letters and logos.” His acknowledgement of it speaks volumes about maturity and a sharp sense to learn from the mistakes, even in the face of media criticism. His teammates stood with him.

Defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore clarified, “No one plays a perfect game, everyone has mistakes. Not just (Mitchell), everyone knows they’ve made a mistake here and there, including myself. We all know we have to be better. I think that’s one of the things we have to learn from and grow.”

Defense tackle Bernhard Raimann responded, “Mistakes happen, we’re all humans, we all try our hardest.” The support suggests responsibility is needed, but locker room culture is learning and resiliency.