Behind T.Y. Hilton, the Colts’ wide receiver depth chart is wide open heading into the 2018 season. This opens up an opportunity for a multitude of young receivers to emerge in Indianapolis while catching passes from Andrew Luck.
With all those factors in play, the conditions are right for a breakout season from Chester Rogers. This would be a great year for Rogers to put up some numbers as he’s set to become a free agent next offseason.
Rogers has been the third or fourth wide receiver on the depth chart during his first two seasons in Indianapolis amassing 557 yards receiving on 42 catches with one career touchdown.
Rogers was supposed to enter last season as the Colts’ number three receiver, but a training camp hamstring injury caused him to miss the first five games of the year.
It took Rogers a while to earn his spot back once he got healthy, but he did have a huge game against Pittsburgh catching all six of his targets for 104 yards and a touchdown.
Depending on his performance in training camp, Rogers could find himself as high as number two on the Colts’ wide receiver depth chart. However, there are a couple of promising rookies hot on his heels ready to take snaps from Rogers in 2018.
It will be interesting to see if the new coaching staff gives Rogers an opportunity to return punts next season. Rogers has gained 199 yards on 23 returns over the past two seasons, and his punt return ability could make him a more valuable player moving forward.
Rogers needs to improve his production this year in order to get a second contract in Indianapolis. Rogers has shown flashes of potential, but he must put together a consistent season to impress the Colts’ front office.