The Indianapolis Colts had high expectations for former Penn State tight end Tyler Warren after selecting him with the 14th overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. He’s fulfilled those expectations with an impressive rookie campaign, but has struggled as the season has wound down.
With another slow start against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football in Week 16, here’s everything to know about the rookie’s status.
What Happened to Indianapolis Colts TE Tyler Warren?
No, Warren is not hurt; in fact, the rookie tight end has played in all 14 games for the Colts this season. While he got out to a hot start with Daniel Jones under center, he’s struggled to find his footing since he went down with a ruptured Achilles.
While Warren was a safety blanket for Jones, he has not found the same chemistry with backup quarterbacks Riley Leonard and Philip Rivers. Over the last two games, Warren has averaged 17 yards per game despite six targets in each contest. He’s failed to find his way to the end zone since then as well.
MORE: 3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft
Unfortunately, the lack of production has continued into Week 16. So far in the first half, Warren has caught one of three targets for three yards. While it didn’t take him out of the game, he was the recipient of some helmet-to-helmet contact from 49ers linebacker Dee Winters.
This lowering of the head by @49ers Lber on @Colts Tyler Warren (I don’t think he meant to hurt him) is what we have to teach OUT of football. It’s hard not to lower head into contact but it’s bad for both players. This was a possible concussion waiting to happen pic.twitter.com/lPN3SJROKg
— Kevin Kelley (@coachkelley1) December 23, 2025
Despite some issues under center, the Colts continue to field one of the better offenses in the NFL this season. According to PFSN’s Offense Impact metric, Indianapolis has the second-best offense in the league with an impact score of 87.3.
This is despite having 44-year-old Rivers leading the offense. As for Warren, his rookie campaign has ranked him in the top ten of PFSN’s TE Impact metric, ranking eighth overall with an impact score of 83.2.
Entering Week 16, Warren has caught 63 of 90 targets for 718 yards and four touchdowns. He’s also carried the ball six times for eight yards and an additional trip to the end zone. While he’s struggled to get going in Jones’s absence, he’s sure to figure things out with more snaps.
Editor’s Note: This is a breaking news story and will be updated throughout the day as more information becomes available.
