Josh Cribbs Released by Colts: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

The Indianapolis Colts announced Friday they released veteran wide receiver/return specialist Josh Cribbs.

The 31-year-old played in six games for the Colts last year. He caught one pass for eight yards, and the bulk of his work came in the return game. Cribbs returned 19 punts for 125 yards and 19 kicks for 608 yards.

Stephen Holder of The Indianapolis Star assumed Cribbs was on the way out after the Colts selected Phillip Dorsett in the first round of the 2015 draft:

Cribbs was once considered among the league's preeminent return men. He made three Pro Bowls with the Cleveland Browns in 2007, 2009 and 2012 and was a first-team All-Pro in '09. He was also one of the players hit hardest when the league moved kickoffs to the 35-yard line in 2011.

Dorsett seems the natural replacement for Cribbs in Indianapolis. The rookie wideout is extremely fast and well suited to factor in the return game.

Meanwhile, Cribbs' career might be drawing to a close. Should he sign with another team, it will be his fourth team in three years. The game has evolved, and players like Cribbs are becoming more and more of a luxury than a necessity.