Indianapolis Colts DVOA, Stats, & NFL Rankings

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) said earlier this week that he expects to make his 2024 season debut this Sunday in Week 3 at Lucas Oil Stadium against the visiting Chicago Bears. Downs put in a second straight day of full practice on Thursday, meaning he's well on his way to suiting up for the first time this year. A high-ankle sprain that he suffered last month in training camp kept Downs out for the first two games of the season. The Colts could ease him back into the offense, but those that have plucked Alec Pierce off the waiver wire the last couple of weeks can't be too stoked that Downs is on the verge of a return. If he's active in Week 3, he'll make for a risky flex option in fantasy lineups, but eventually, Downs is expected to be Indy's WR2 behind Michael Pittman Jr. after he caught 68 passes for 771 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games in his rookie season in 2023.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) was a full participant in practice on Wednesday. Downs had yet to take the field this season due to the injury. After previously stating that he plans to play in Week 3, Downs' official practice participation suggests that that is true. Downs is a talented young receiver for an offense that is growing together. He recorded 68 receptions for 771 yards and two touchdowns in 2023. Downs is not someone you should start in Week 3 but he is worth a stash if you have space on your bench. Either way, he should substantially help quarterback Anthony Richardson as a short-yardage target.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) said he plans to make his season debut in Week 3 at home at Lucas Oil Stadium this Sunday against the visiting Chicago Bears. Downs suffered a right high-ankle sprain at training camp in August and was forced to miss the first two games of the regular season as a result. However, the 23-year-old was 50-50 to play in the Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field and could get the green light if he's able to do more in practices this week. The third-round selection last year was set to enter the 2024 season as the No. 2 wideout behind Michael Pittman Jr., so Downs' return will be bad news for anyone that plucked Alec Pierce off the waiver wire recently. Downs, himself, is worth a pickup off the waiver wire now that he's nearing his return. The former Tar Heel caught 68 of 98 targets for 771 yards and two scores in 17 games in his rookie season in 2023.

In the Chicago Bears' Week 2 matchup against the Houston Texans, running back Khalil Herbert scored the team's only touchdown. Despite only getting two carries, Herbert made a significant impact, including a 2-yard touchdown run in the second quarter that brought the Bears within 13-10. With the Bears needing a score before halftime, they turned to Herbert, a former Virginia Tech standout, to deliver. The touchdown came on a critical third-and-goal situation, frustrating D'Andre Swift's managers, who were hoping for a score from Swift. Although Herbert isn't the primary back for the Bears, his role in the offense remains clear. Since being drafted by Chicago in 2021, Herbert has consistently contributed, and his performance solidifies his value as a handcuff for Swift owners. While he may not lead the backfield, Herbert's ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities makes him a valuable asset in fantasy leagues.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Adonai Mitchell caught just one of his four targets for a 30-yard gain in the team's Week 2 loss to the Green Bay Packers. This now marks the second week in a row Mitchell saw favorable targets and air yards but has been unable to turn them into fantasy production. Mitchell's speed and separation abilities are undeniable, but he hasn't shown that he has a safe enough floor as a member of this Colts offense to warrant starting him with confidence in lineups. On top of that, the Colts are expecting WR Josh Downs (knee) to return back to the fold eventually, and it's unclear who's snap share will take the largest hit as a result. Fantasy managers will need to monitor Downs' Week 3 status before closely starting Mitchell in lineups, and even then, he can be considered a boom-or-bust WR4 option with the hopes that he can connect on a deep ball or two from Richardson.