INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — The Indianapolis Colts are staying prepared in the event that they develop a need for depth at wide receiver, working out Cole Burgess and Jaylen Johnson on Friday.

Burgess (6'0", 192, 25 years old) went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft out of SUNY Cortland and was quickly signed as a priority free agent by the Cincinnati Bengals. He spent his initial season on the practice squad and signed a reserve/futures deal with Cincinnati in January 2025 to remain with the team. He was let go during the final preseason roster cuts.

Coming into the 2024 draft, Burgess was considered a sizable, explosive prospect who feasted on lower-level collegiate competition but would need plenty of time to develop behind the scenes in the pros.

In two preseasons with the Bengals, Burgess played 113 snaps at receiver (69 wide, 44 slot) and nine on special teams. He caught 5-of-9 targets for 44 yards (8.8 avg.). According to Pro Football Focus, Burgess had 21 yards after the catch and one drop.

Johnson (6'2", 194, 25) was also undrafted in 2024, out of East Carolina, where he played for two seasons (2022-23) after transferring from Georgia (2018-21). Johnson signed with the Los Angeles Chargers right after the draft, and, like Burgess, spent his first year on the practice squad before signing a futures deal in January and ultimately being cut after the preseason.

Johnson had a somewhat underwhelming college career at Georgia and ECU, but had decent size and speed to entice teams.

In two preseasons with the Chargers, Johnson has played 129 snaps at receiver (49 wide, 80 slot) and was a core special-teamer, seeing action on 54 snaps. He caught 7-of-14 targets for 90 yards (12.9 avg.). According to PFF, Johnson had 24 yards after the catch and one drop.  

While the Colts are currently in good shape at receiver, anything can happen that would create a need for depth. Currently, they have Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, Josh Downs, Ashton Dulin, Anthony Gould, and Laquon Treadwell on the active roster, with Coleman Owen and Eli Pancol on the practice squad.

This week, the Colts hit the road again to take on the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, at 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS.

Jake Arthur has been covering the Indianapolis Colts for over a dozen years and is a member of the PFWA. He's one half of the Locked On Colts podcast and has worked for the Colts' official website, On SI, and more. You can follow him on X @JakeArthurNFL.

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