Colts’ Tyler Warren sounds off on bigger role after impressive rookie season

Tyler Warren enjoyed a noteworthy rookie NFL campaign, finishing second on the Indianapolis Colts in receptions and receiving yards and ranking in the top-seven among all tight ends in both categories. But the team thinks he can be even better.

Former All-Pro running back and current NFL Network analyst Maurice Jones-Drew learned from head coach Shane Steichen that Indy plans to get Warren more involved in the action in 2026. The 6-foot-6 talent out of Penn State believes he can elevate his game in his second season, a possible outcome that should bring terror to everyone in the AFC South.

“I think playing tight end, being able to do everything is a big part of it,” Warren told Jones-Drew and Judy Battista at Colts’ training camp on Tuesday. “Also, with {Michael Pittman} gone, he was a huge part of our offense, so there is a lot of opportunity for really everybody in our offense. Kinda opens up more roles and {offers} more touches, so I’m excited about that. We got a lot of weapons on offense. I’m excited to see how everybody gets the ball this year.”

Is a year-2 leap coming for Tyler Warren?@Colts | @judybattista | @MJD pic.twitter.com/6kfRlRiRWa

— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) August 11, 2026

Warren seamlessly transitioned into the NFL, recording six or more catches and 70 or more receiving yards in three of his first four games. He then scored a touchdown in three consecutive weeks and posted eight catches for 99 yards in a Nov. 9 overtime victory versus the Atlanta Falcons in Berlin, Germany. He was headed for an All-Pro selection, but then injuries halted his production and ended what was an extremely promising season of Colts football.

Daniel Jones suffered a fracture in his fibula, which he played through, and then tore his Achilles on Dec. 7. Warren only reached 45 yards once and scored just one touchdown in his final seven games, and Indianapolis missed the playoffs after starting 8-2. The No. 14 overall draft selection still earned Pro Bowl honors after posting 76 receptions for 817 yards and four touchdowns, but he was capable of more.

Now, Tyler Warren will get the chance to correct that quiet second half and produce a complete campaign with the seemingly healthier Colts. Since Michael Pittman was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Alec Pierce is recovering from ankle surgery, the 24-year-old TE may be expected to lead the pass-catching group this season.

He should be up for the challenge.

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