The Indianapolis Colts have parted ways with wide receiver and kick returner Keke Coutee. The team also signed a former Canadian Football League tight end from the practice squad.
What’s Next For The Indianapolis Colts At Wide Reciever?
The Colts added Robert Foster to the practice squad as well. Foster last played for the Washington Commanders in 2020. However, he has been on several practice squads over the last two years. Foster had 27 receptions and three touchdowns in his rookie year with Buffalo but has only had five receptions since.
Coutee wasn’t doing much for the team in the passing game. The former Texan only caught two passes for 25 yards in two seasons with Indianapolis, including one for 20 yards in the six games played this season. Coutee could remain a practice squad candidate if he clears waivers.
What’s Next for Keke Coutee?
Coutee was likely cut due to the rise of Dallis Flowers as the team’s kick returner. However, after solid showings against Pittsburg and Dallas in back-to-back weeks, Flowers has probably earned that job for the remainder of the season.
Looking at the league’s worst kick-returning teams, you find several averaging less than 20 yards per return. The Broncos and Dolphins are both averaging less than Coutee’s career 19.4 yards. The Broncos will likely continue with Montrell Washington, who covers both punt and kick return duties. While Coutee’s averages are better in both categories, Washington is a 23-year-old rookie. Miami has plenty of speed and talented returners, so it would be surprising to see them make this move.
The worst punt-returning teams in the league are the Raiders, Giants, and Steelers. Pittsburg has a similar situation to Denver, but New York could be an option for Coutee. The Raiders may turn to kick returner Ameer Abdullah before adding Coutee. The most likely outcome is that Coutee will join a team’s practice squad.
Will Kalinic Play A Role For The Indianapolis Colts?
Nikola Kalinic previously played for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football league. Kalinic has played 30 snaps for the Colts so far this year. All of these occurred between weeks 10-12. He hasn’t been targeted yet this year. The coaches may like what they’ve seen from him on the blocking front, though.
It’s unclear what Kalinic’s role will be. The Colts’ tight end room has been through its share of injuries this season, but none of the trio of Mo Alie-Cox, Jelani Woods, or Kylen Granson currently have an injury designation.
