Backup players don’t have to be stars — they just have to be reliable. When they’re called into the game, coaches don’t expect fireworks. They expect composure, assignment sound play, and most importantly, no mistakes. That’s the one line they cannot cross.
AD Mitchell has crossed it repeatedly.
His young career has been riddled with miscues, and last week’s two major blunders against the Rams were the most glaring examples yet. The Colts made the correct decision by sitting him this week in favour of Ashton Dulin — and Dulin rewarded that faith immediately.
Against the Raiders, Dulin stepped in as the new WR3, replacing Alec Pierce as the primary flanker in the offense. And unlike Mitchell, he played like someone who understands what that role demands: trust, toughness, and clean execution.
In seven seasons with the Colts, Dulin has built his reputation as a special teams cornerstone — a physical, unselfish player who does whatever is needed. He’s earned multiple contracts and consistent praise for that mentality, and every time he’s been given offensive snaps, he’s made them count.
Ashton Dulin played in 47 snaps, which equates to 71% of the offensive plays. That’s a career high for him and put him for second most snaps of any receiver on the team. It helps that the game was a blowout so the Colts didn’t need to strain their top dogs, but Dulin was often used as a run blocker and also as the lone receiver in 22 formations.
This wasn’t just a “nice game from a backup.” It was proof that Dulin can function as a true system piece. Steichen doesn’t put guys on the field for 47 snaps unless he trusts them to handle every situation — run game, motion responsibilities, backside protection, and scramble rules. When a receiver earns snaps in heavy personnel (like 22 sets with one WR), that tells you the staff views him as an extension of the offensive line, not just a route runner. That’s something AD Mitchell hasn’t shown yet.
Shane Steichen showed his appreciation for Dulin after the game:
Ashton Dulin didn’t just fill in — he provided stability the Colts have been missing from their WR3 spot since Pierce’s injury. While AD Mitchell may offer more raw flash, Dulin brings something far more valuable to a timing-based offense: consistency. He blocks with conviction and runs good routes. Steichen’s willingness to play him in heavy looks like 22 personnel says everything — that’s not a “receiver,” that’s a trusted piece of the structure. Until Mitchell proves he can operate within the system, Dulin should keep that job without hesitation.
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