INDIANAPOLIS -- Consistency over potential.
That's what it boiled down to in the Indianapolis Colts' decision to keep Griff Whalen as their fifth receiver over Duron Carter.
The initial reaction over that move was surprising. But I was given clarity over the decision to go with Whalen instead of Carter.
Not the flashiest receiver, Whalen has been consistent when pressed into action during the previous two seasons when he bounced between the practice squad and active roster with the Colts. Carter, who has the size and speed to be an NFL receiver, lacked the consistency the Colts were looking for.
The Colts aren't balling up the white towel and throwing it in on Carter. They still like him. They like him so much that they want to sign him to the practice squad if he clears waivers. Note the "if" part in the previous sentence because there will likely be teams interested in Carter.
Carter was one of the standouts during training camp at Anderson University. He was impressive enough early on that you thought he'd challenge to possibly be the third -- and definitely fourth -- receiver on the depth chart.
But Carter's practice performances didn't carry over to the games. That's where the problems lie with the receiver. He's also still rough around the edges when it comes to his skillset. There were two times off the top of my head where he ran the wrong routes in a game -- one time with Matt Hasselbeck during the preseason opener against Philadelphia and then in the end zone late in the second quarter with Andrew Luck during the third game against St. Louis.
Simply put: Carter isn't ready to contribute right now.
The Colts feel Whalen is more ready if pressed into action. He can play multiple receiver positions and also return kicks if necessary.
