Last week’s 27-20 loss against the Los Angeles Rams left a blemish in what could have been a perfect 4-0 record for the Indianapolis Colts. And at the center of it all was Colts WR Adonai Mitchell, who now seems to be paying the price for his costly slip-ups.

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.”

His first mistake was fumbling the ball just before the end zone on what could have been a 75-yard touchdown. The Colts were trailing 10-13 at the time. Then there was the holding penalty call against him that rendered Jonathan Taylor’s touchdown run null and void. Speaking about the receiver’s future, coach Shane Steichen had made it clear that he’ll have “to earn” his place on the team. Looks like that’s exactly what is happening.

Ashton Dulin, as a result, will get more playing time. In his sixth year with Indianapolis now, Dulin has 36 receptions for 528 yards and 4 touchdowns. Just 11 of those yards have come this season.

Meanwhile, Mitchell, in four games, has 7 receptions for 137 yards. He had 96 yards on three catches against the Rams, though the fumble and penalty nullified the display. And while the return of Alec Pierce may cause greater problems for Mitchell, his abilities will keep him in contention as he works his way back into the coaches’ trust.

If his words about his mistakes are any indication of what’s going on inside his mind, Mitchell is trying his best to come back stronger.

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 resilience.