Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that wide receivers Josh Downs (shoulder) and Aston Dulin (ankle) have officially been ruled out for Sunday's tilt versus the New England Patriots in Week 13. After injuring his shoulder in the Week 12 loss to the Detroit Lions, Downs was fighting an uphill battle to play this week against the Patriots, and now he's officially out. Fantasy managers will obviously want him on their benches in Week 13. A bye in Week 14 will hopefully give Downs all the rest he needs to be good to go in Week 15 to face the Denver Broncos. Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce (foot) and rookie Adonai Mitchell figure to be Indy's top three receivers this Sunday with Downs sidelined. The 23-year-old Downs has become one of the team's most dynamic receiving weapons in 2024 in his second season, catching 53 of his 78 targets for 594 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games.

Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Josh Downs (shoulder), Alec Pierce (foot) and Ashton Dulin (ankle) all missed practice for a second straight day on Thursday. Downs is fighting an uphill battle to play in Week 13 versus the New England Patriots after injuring his shoulder in the Week 12 loss to the Detroit Lions, but the Colts could also be without Pierce and Dulin unless they are able to return to practice on Friday in some capacity. Michael Pittman Jr. (back) remains listed on the injury report, but he's practicing in full this week. If one or both of Downs and/or Pierce sit out against the Pats, Pittman would be in line for a heavy target share, while rookie Adonai Mitchell would also see an increase in usage, putting him in place as a more palatable WR4/flex option in fantasy. Pierce leads the NFL in yards per catch (23.3) and will be a WR4/flex with upside if he's active and Downs is out.

Indianapolis Colts wide receivers Alec Pierce (foot) and Ashton Dulin (ankle) were both non-participants in the first practice of the week on Wednesday. Josh Downs (shoulder) also missed practice and is considered week-to-week with a shoulder injury he suffered in the Week 12 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Indy's receiving corps is pretty banged up heading into their Sunday meeting against the New England Patriots in Week 13. The 24-year-old Pierce would be much more attractive as a starting fantasy option this weekend if he's active and Downs is held out. Rookie Adonai Mitchell, meanwhile, would serve as the No. 2 behind Michael Pittman Jr. if both Downs and Pierce are out. Pierce leads the league with 23.3 yards per reception but has been a frustrating fantasy play given quarterback Anthony Richardson's struggles as a passer. He already has career-highs in yards (629) and TDs (four) in 2024.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) was listed as a non-participant during Wednesday's estimated practice report as the team only held a walkthrough. Downs was initially deemed "week-to-week" after sustaining this shoulder injury during their loss to the Detroit Lions last weekend. However, the team has yet to rule Downs out, so fantasy managers should continue to closely monitor his status throughout the week. However, seeing him open the week as a non-participant is not a positive sign. Before Week 12, Downs was enjoying a nice stretch of performances as he averaged a strong 17.0 PPR points per game during Weeks 8 through 11. If Downs is unable to suit up, Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce (foot), and rookie Adonai Mitchell would lead the passing attack.

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) won't be ruled out for Week 13 against the New England Patriots at this time, but "it's gonna be tough" for him to be available this Sunday after injuring his right shoulder in the Week 12 loss to the Detroit Lions. The Colts listed the 23-year-old as week-to-week earlier this week, so fantasy managers would be wise to move him to their benches for the time being and see how much he's able to do in practice this week from Wednesday through Friday. Downs looked to be in quite a bit of pain on Sunday, but the good news is he was able to return late in the contest. Still, it sounds like he's fighting an uphill battle to play in Week 13. If Downs is ruled out, Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell would start in three-wide sets for the Colts.