There have been a number of players impressing during the first week of padded practices for the Indianapolis Colts, and among them is wide receiver Parris Campbell.
After what was essentially a lost rookie season due to injuries, Campbell has entered training camp healthy. Even with a new quarterback in Philip Rivers, the pair has gotten off to a hot start with Campbell working from the slot.
So far, Rivers has been impressed with just about every facet of Campbell’s game.
“He is explosive. He can really run and he’s a strong man. The sky is the limit for him,” Rivers told reporters Wednesday. “I think the biggest thing really is – and you can see it – he really wants to do everything right and he really cares a heck of a lot. That’s one thing – you can’t coach people how to care.”
Campbell is the type of explosive talent the Colts offense lacked in 2019. His 4.31 speed is obvious when he touches the ball, but there are few players in the league who have another gear in the open field.
The Colts will find other ways to get Campbell the football as well. But there is a real chance he winds up being the second-most targeted player in the offense behind T.Y. Hilton.
With all of training camp left to continue developing their rapport, Rivers believes Campbell will be a big part of the offense.
“I think you said it, he didn’t play a ton last year. So he’s really almost a first-year player in that sense. Yet, he’s been in here. He’s been coached very well, he’s worked at it and he’s super talented. He’s off to a heck of a start as well this training camp,” Rivers said. “I think he has the potential to be a big-play guy, but at the same time he’s strong, has strong hands and all those things that he can do. He can do all those things and intermediate and underneath stuff as well. He’s going to be a big part of the offense moving forward.”
The passing offense is shaping up to be an exciting unit in Indy. If Rivers can return to form, he will have an explosive option in Campbell on the short and intermediate routes.
If these two can click from Week 1, Campbell’s potential breakout will be well on the way.
