For Parris Campbell, his unfortunate, unproductive first two seasons to begin his NFL career have represented more of an anomaly than a lack of preparation and conditioning. In two campaigns, Campbell has appeared in just nine games, recording just five starts, in a rather underwhelming genesis for a once sought-after wideout prospect who still has yet to carve out a footprint in an ever-changing Indianapolis offense.

2020’s season opener offered a glimpse into the electric talent Campbell possesses, as he accumulated six receptions for 71 yards in a Colts loss over the Jacksonville Jaguars. In the grand scheme of things, it was a bright flash in a rather dark tunnel, but for Campbell, it was a turning point.

“That was the game where I kind of felt like myself again,” Campbell said. “Coming off my rookie season – just dealing with all those things I did my rookie year... that’s just a piece of what I can do.”

However, as it has thus far in his career, Campbell fell victim to the injury bug, suffering a knee injury in Week 2 that eventually shelved him for the entirety of the 2020 season.

Despite the setback, Campbell has entered offseason workouts with new hope, fresh legs, and a sparkling new talent at quarterback to fuel his progress toward a potential make-or-break campaign. Additionally, with the NFL’s new relaxed jersey regulations, Campbell will don No. 1 for the first time in his career, an example of the fresh start Campbell has in mind as the Colts steamroll toward training camp.

Despite his injuries—and inherent lack of success—the Colts have stuck beside Campbell, providing optimism in the darkest of times for their former second-round selection. Michael Pittman Jr., provided a fresh face in the Colts’ wideout room as a rookie, and the re-signing of T.Y. Hilton will offer Carson Wentz a veteran target hog within head coach Frank Reich’s offense, but Campbell’s role has never been filled or changed since he stepped foot into the facility.

In year three, he’ll be asked (again) to serve as Indianapolis’ do-it-all talent with the ability to pick up yards in chunks with the ball in his hands. As he did at Ohio State, Campbell touts one of the most sought after skill sets for pass-happy NFL offenses. Campbell can run the full route tree and work throughout each level of the defense, but where he thrives is on quick-hitters, screens, and designated touches where Campbell is allowed to use his unique vision and elite first-step to jolt by opposing defenders.

With Nick Sirianni now pushing the buttons in Philadelphia, newly minted offensive coordinator Marcus Brady will endure a heavy dose of collaboration with Reich, as the Colts head coach will remain calling the plays, but Brady’s background in the CFL will offer a breath of fresh air into the lungs of the Colts offense, and Campbell’s game.

During his time in Canada, Brady, who’s received rave reviews thus far by Colts brass due to his constant tailoring of his scheme to highlight individual skill sets, utilized his running backs in the passing game at a heavy clip, averaging 6.5 receptions and 57.60 receiving yards per game. While that could mean more of a touch boost to Jonathan Taylor and Marlon Mack, Reich has hinted of deploying Campbell in the backfield more often, who could develop into a nightmare to prepare for, if he stays healthy.

It’s been a strenuous 25 months for the former Buckeye standout, who sits with a substandard total of 198 receiving yards and just one touchdown to his name, but the proof is in the pudding for Campbell who now has the opportunity to work in tandem with Wentz to put a career once ravaged by injury in the rearview mirror as the Colts eye their first division title since 2014.