Team news: Indianapolis Colts

Five of Marcus Johnson’s nine catches so far have covered 20 yards or more, and unlike some boom-or-bust deep threats, Johnson is a reliable target down the field. Despite a career average of an impressive 16.5 yards per catch, Johnson has caught 75 percent of his targets with Rivers and Andrew Luck at quarterback for the Colts; the only time his percentage has dropped was last season, when he caught 51.5 percent of his targets.

Despite Philip Rivers' struggles, and the Colts thought of as a running team, the story said six weeks into the season, the Colts rank eighth in the NFL in passing plays of 20 yards or more, and fourth in big-play percentage. Johnson played a key role in those numbers even before Sunday’s five-catch, 108-yard performance to lead the Indianapolis comeback against the Bengals. Johnson's issue has been his health, he's battled hamstring and concussion issues over the past couple of years but if healthy it looks like he could make an impact in the Colts offense.

Jordan Wilkins (calf) played just four snaps yesterday.

Related players: Jonathan Taylor, Nyheim Hines

The tweet went on to say Taylor to handled 92% of the RB carries and 36% of the RB targets. Hines seems to just be a factor on passing plays and downs.

Colts TE Mo Alie-Cox will not play Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, according to Zak Keefer of The Athletic.

Related Players: Trey Burton, Jack Doyle

Remember when the MAC breakout was going to happen for the third consecutive season? That was fun. Trey Burton and Jack Doyle will get plenty of attention from Philip Rivers in his stead.

Philip Rivers' struggles promoted reporters to ask after Sunday’s game and again Monday whether the Colts were considering replacing Rivers.

“No consideration for that,’’ HC Frank Reich said in a Monday conference call, via Mike Chappell of FOX 59. “Philip is our quarterback.’’

In Sunday’s loss to the Browns, Rivers’ intentional grounding in the end zone cost the Colts a safety, and he threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. He threw two interceptions in the season opener, costing the Colts 10 points in a 27-20 loss, the story said. Rivers is completing 70.8 percent of his passes and averaging 8.0 yards per attempt.

Colts TE usage with Trey Burton the past two games:

Burton 38 routes, 11 targets
Jack Doyle 32 routes, 3 targets
Mo Alie-Cox 18 routes, 3 targets

Burton has seemed to take over the TE1 role. After standing out as an Eagle their Super Bowl year, Burton moved on to Chicago but has battled injuries most of the time since leaving Philly. He could be getting healthy again. Alie-Cox was the popular grab just a few weeks ago but doesn't look to be a safe play.