Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Parris Campbell has been oozing with potential ever since he entered the league in 2019 as a second-round pick, but injuries have derailed the speedster’s career.
Limited to just nine games in two seasons with the Colts, Campbell has had a career’s worth of injuries—and some—since he stepped on the NFL field. The most recent injury was a torn PCL in Week 2 of the 2020 season, which wound up keeping him out of the entire campaign.
However, the Ohio State product told reporters at OTAs Wednesday that he was cleared 100% by the team’s doctors last week and is a full go for the offseason workouts.
“Yeah, things have been going great. I actually got cleared 100 percent as of last week,” Campbell said Wednesday. “So, it feels good to be back out there having fun. Everything is good.”
Campbell has been an intriguing option in the passing game ever since the Colts drafted him. His game-breaking speed and vision after the catch make him a dangerous threat anywhere he lines up in the formation.
Campbell showed some of that during the Week 1 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars to open the 2020 season. He finished the opener with six receptions on nine targets for 71 yards, all of which were team-highs for the game.
It was an exciting start to a promising campaign until the first snap of the game in Week 2 resulted in Campbell taking an end-around and receiving an awkward hit, tearing his MCL and PCL.
That season-ending injury, along with three surgeries on separate injuries in 2019, have led to a frustrating start to his career.
“No, I think that is a great word. Obviously, it’s been things that are out of my control,” Campbell said. “Some of these injuries are just freak injuries. But it’s definitely been frustrating, but I’m also motivated for what’s ahead.”
Campbell should go right into the slot role in the formation while Michael Pittman Jr. works mostly at the X and T.Y. Hilton returns as the Z/Flanker role in the offense.
With new quarterback Carson Wentz, there is potential for Campbell to continue his ascension as long as he stays healthy. His skill set is still very much needed in the offense.
Staying healthy is the objective for Campbell and if he can achieve that, it could unlock another level to the offense.
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