Josh

Downs

Downs missed some of OTAs with what the Colts called a “soft tissue injury” without providing any specifics. He appears no worse for the wear and is back at it as the Colts begin minicamp.

Jonathan Taylor was also absent from the Colts’ first OTA session. Atkins notes he is in Florida working on his own and the team is hopeful to get him back soon. It’s early in the offseason program, so fantasy managers don’t need to worry yet, but it’s worth keeping in mind given Downs’ injury history. He played hurt down the stretch as a rookie and his numbers plummeted. Then, in 2024, Downs missed three games and appeared on the injury report with ankle, toe, groin, calf and shoulder injuries. Still, the talent is evident when Downs is healthy. He led the Colts in receptions last year at 72 while playing in two fewer games than Michael Pittman.

Pittman Jr., who was dealing with a fractured back in an injury-hobbled 2024 season, did not have surgery and “believes he’s done the work necessary” to get past it. We’d be wary of Pittman Jr. even with his target potential because back injuries can linger, but that price will likely be built into his ADP as we approach fantasy drafts in the summer. He and Josh Downs should vie for the lead target role in the Indianapolis offense heading into the year.

Downs’ second season got off to a rocky start with an ankle issue in training camp that forced him to miss the first two weeks of the season. The Colts were cautious with his return and their approach paid off. After a quiet Week 3, Downs caught at least six passes for 66 yards in three straight games. He also scored twice over that stretch. Downs topped 60 yards in seven of his first nine games. Injuries then started to take their toll on the young wideout. On top of the ankle issue, Downs appeared on the injury report with toe, groin, calf, ankle, and shoulder issues, the last of which caused him to miss a game. He went five straight games without more than three catches before the Week 18 grand finale. Downs finished the season with an 82/897/5 receiving line. Downs often looked like the team’s No. 1 receiver and out-targeted Michael Pittman more often than not, but his propensity to play through injuries has done him no favors through two seasons. If he can stay healthy in 2025, a true breakout season is in order.

Even with pure pocket passer Joe Flacco back under center against an awful Giants pass defense, Downs couldn’t re-discover his mid-season magic. Flacco locked on to deep threat Alec Pierce and short-area magnet Michael Pittman. Downs was stuck drawing as many targets as Adonai Mitchell and Jonathan Taylor. Downs’ lost momentum has had far more to do with the Colts’ chaotic offensive environment than his own play, but he is still set to head into Year 3 without having “put it all together.” Maybe he can at least do so for a Sunday against the sorry Jaguars in Week 18.

Downs has been mostly quiet dealing with a shoulder injury in recent weeks and catching passes from low-volume, low-efficiency passer Anthony Richardson. Against the Titans, Downs took a screen pass 27 yards for a touchdown as the Colts’ sole passing score of the day. He was targeted on four of Richardson’s 11 passing attempts, making him a key target out of the slot. However, the Colts’ low passing volume keeps Downs in the WR3/4 mix for Week 17 against the Giants.

Returning from a shoulder injury, Downs ran a full complement of pass routes but was hampered by Anthony Richardson’s wildly inaccurate passing against Denver. Michael Pittman led the Colts with nine targets on the day. Downs should continue operating as the team’s No. 1 receiver down the stretch. A Week 16 date with a burnable Titans defense could be a boon for Downs, who had 67 yards and a score the last time he faced off against the Titans.

Downs will return to the Colts lineup after missing the team’s most recent game in Week 13. Downs has operated as the team’s No. 1 wideout for much of this season; he has 40 targets over his past five games and could benefit from a trailing game script against Denver. Colts declared WR Ashton Dulin, QB Sam Ehlinger, S Darren Hall, DE Isaiah Land, and G Atonio Mafi inactive against the Broncos.

Downs missed Week 13 with the shoulder issue but got a well-timed bye in Week 14. He returned for multiple full practices this week before being listed as questionable on Friday. Downs had at least five catches and 60 yards in four straight games before suffering the injury in Week 12. Having fully taken over the role of No. 1 receiver in Indianapolis, Downs is back in the WR2 ranks for his matchup with the Broncos.

When asked if Downs will play, head coach Shane Steichen only said, “We’ll see.” Despite practicing in full to close the week, it doesn’t sound like Downs’ return to the lineup is a forgone conclusion. If active, Downs will immediately reclaim his role as the Colts’ No 1 receiver, putting him back in the WR2 ranks. Fantasy nmanagers will want to watch the Colts’ inactives ahead of kickoff to be sure Downs is good to go.