The Indianapolis Colts missed a golden opportunity to make a statement in the 2025 NFL season, joining the Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills in a 4-0 start. But a blunder by second-year wide receiver AD Mitchell proved costly in their 27-20 loss to the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Week 4.
How Did AD Mitchell’s Costly Error vs. the Rams Affect the Colts?
With the Colts trailing 13-10 early in the third, Daniel Jones launched a deep pass to AD Mitchell, who made a contested catch and sprinted down the sideline, trying for a highlight-reel touchdown.
Instead, Mitchell fumbled while switching the ball between hands just before the goal line, sending it out of the back of the end zone. This left the Colts with zero points, giving the Rams possession.
Later in the fourth quarter, Mitchell drew a holding penalty that wiped out a 53-yard Jonathan Taylor touchdown. The Rams quickly capitalized with an 88-yard touchdown from Matthew Stafford to Tutu Atwell, taking a 27-20 lead that held until the final whistle.
Colts Head Coach Hints at Lineup Change
Mitchell, usually the Colts’ fourth receiver, got extra reps with Alec Pierce sidelined due to a concussion. Even before this error, his role was expected to shrink anyway once Pierce returned.
But now, head coach Shane Steichen and the team may hesitate to trust a player whose focus has been inconsistent, despite his obvious talent. Speaking to reporters, Steichen revealed he talked to Mitchell privately in his office about the concerns.
“AD apologized to the team. This mistake won’t define him, but he’s gotta earn it,” the Colts head coach said, reported by The Athletic’s James Boyd. He further emphasized the fact that he will have to earn back his place when asked if Mitchell would start in Week 5.
Additionally, I know #Colts WR Ashton Dulin is a special teams guy, but have we ever questioned his focus level and/or attention to details?
This isn’t a report whatsoever, but it wouldn’t shock me if Indy considered bumping Dulin up to its fourth receiver. He’s more reliable.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) September 29, 2025
Boyd also suggested Mitchell’s error could open the door for another player in the Colts’ wide receiver rotation: special teams contributor Ashton Dulin.
“I know #Colts WR Ashton Dulin is a special teams guy, but have we ever questioned his focus level and/or attention to details?,” Boyd shared on X. “It wouldn’t shock me if Indy considered bumping Dulin up to its fourth receiver. He’s more reliable.”
The Colts face the Raiders in Week 5, and the wide receiver rotation will be a storyline to watch. Steichen’s approach suggests the team values execution over pure talent, meaning Mitchell’s role could remain limited until he proves himself in practice.
