Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder), who injured his right shoulder in the Week 12 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, is considered week-to-week and is a long shot to play in Week 13 against the New England Patriots, according to a source. However, the belief is he didn't suffer a major injury, so perhaps Downs will be ready to go in Week 15 against the Denver Broncos after the team's bye in Week 14. If the 23-year-old is unable to go against New England, it will mean that Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell will start in three-receiver sets. Downs caught just three of his seven targets for 27 yards on Sunday against the Lions but had become the team's leading receiver in previous weeks. He's up to 53 receptions for 594 yards and four TDs in 10 games in his second NFL season and deserves to be stashed until he can return to the fold in Indy.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell caught one of his three targets for 10 yards in Sunday's 24-6 loss to the Lions. The rookie wideout has a single catch in four of the last five games, with the other game where he caught more (six receptions) coming during Michael Pittman Jr.'s one-week hiatus. As the fourth option in a poor offense, the 22-year-old is a fantasy afterthought unless an injury opens up more opportunities for him. Josh Downs exited with a shoulder injury in this game but was able to return, however, keep an eye on this week's practice reports. If Downs' injury turns out to be more serious, Mitchell could be thrust back into relevance, but until then, he can be safely left to the waiver wire.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Alec Pierce garnered his usual looks on Sunday but turned his four targets into just one catch in the 24-6 loss to the Lions. The one catch was a nice 39-yard grab, and Anthony Richardson missed him badly on a wide-open throw early on in the contest for what would have been a huge gain or even a touchdown. The continued dose of deep shots to the speedy receiver is encouraging, as one of these weeks it could turn into a big day for the 24-year-old, but it is hard to predict when that will be, especially if Richardson doesn't improve his accuracy. Week 13 brings a somewhat favorable matchup against the Patriots, but that contest will be on the road on what will be a chilly day in Foxboro. Nevertheless, Pierce figures to be a boom/bust WR5 again.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs was limited to just three catches for 27 yards in Sunday's 24-6 loss to the Lions. Downs, who had been the Colts' most reliable pass catcher over the course of the season, tied Michael Pittman Jr. for a team-high seven targets, but couldn't translate it into production. Richardson completed only 39.3% of his passes (11-for-28), so there wasn't much fantasy goodness to be had and blame should probably be placed on the QB and some untimely penalties rather than on Downs. The 23-year-old also exited briefly due to a shoulder injury but was able to return shortly thereafter. The Patriots pose less of a challenge in Week 13 and Downs will have a good chance to get back on track despite Richardson's deficiencies. Keep an eye on his practice status throughout the week, as the former third-round draft pick likely slots in as a WR3 if healthy.

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was held to just 35 scoreless yards on 11 carries in Sunday's 24-6 loss to the Lions, and he was not targeted in the passing game. The former second-round pick hasn't really been involved in the passing game anyway, but with Anthony Richardson being reinserted under center, the mobile quarterback has negatively impacted Taylor's role in the offense. Richardson totaled 61 yards on 10 carries on Sunday, and last week, it was Richardson who scored twice on the ground -- not Taylor. It hasn't helped that the Colts have played the Jets and the Lions, two teams that have been good against the run. Things should get a bit easier next week against the Patriots, but with the reemergence of Richardson's legs and with Taylor a non-factor through the air, the 25-year-old will likely get bounced from the ranks of RB1 status.