Josh Downs's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Updating an earlier report, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) suffered a high-ankle sprain during training camp practice on Wednesday, according to sources after an MRI exam. Downs' recovery time was estimated at four to six weeks, which puts him right up against the start of the 2024 regular season in early September. It's tough news for the Colts, especially since Downs was impressing in camp and was a potential breakout candidate in his second year in the NFL. The bottom line is that the 22-year-old's availability for Week 1 is very much in question, and it could take him some time to get back up to speed as a reliable fantasy wideout. With Downs now out for the foreseeable future, rookie Adonai Mitchell and Alec Pierce will step into starting roles in three-receiver sets alongside Michael Pittman. Downs' injury makes Mitchell a more attractive late-round flier.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) suffered a high-ankle sprain during training camp practice on Wednesday, according to a source. The outlook right now is that Downs could miss about a month, but the Colts are sorting it all out. It's a tough break for Downs, who had been a popular breakout candidate in fantasy leading up to Wednesday's injury after catching 68 of his 98 targets for 771 yards and two touchdowns in 17 games (nine starts) in his first NFL season in 2023. We don't know for sure how much time the 22-year-old might miss to open the 2024 regular season, but this news surely puts a dent into his draft stock. With Downs now sidelined, both Alec Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell will have more opportunities to make noise in Indy's passing game. While Pierce has looked more consistent in camp, Mitchell is a higher-ceiling, big-play option for fantasy managers.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has looked good during training camp, with JJ Stankevitz of the team's website reporting that the wideout has received plenty of looks from quarterback Anthony Richardson. The 22-year-old had a decent rookie season, finishing with 68 catches for 771 yards and two touchdowns. He also ranked first on the team in missed tackles forced and yards after catch. With that in mind, Michael Pittman Jr. is the team's No. 1 wideout. However, Downs can climb the depth chart if he continues to build chemistry with Richardson heading into Week 1, making him an ideal late-round draft choice for fantasy managers looking to roll the dice.

Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Josh Downs caught all three of his targets for 48 yards in the team's 23-19 loss to the Houston Texans. Downs led all Colts pass-catchers in yards and caught the team's longest pass-attempt when he reeled in a 28-yard catch. Downs finishes his rookie campaign with 771 yards on 68 catches and two touchdowns. With their Week 18 loss, the Colts are now eliminated from playoff contention.

Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Josh Downs caught both of his targets for 53 yards in the team's Week 17 win against the Las Vegas Raiders. He now gets ready for a season finale against the Houston Texans on Saturday night, a team that's allowed the 11th most fantasy points to the position over their last four matchups. Downs hasn't been an incredibly consistent option as of late, as last week marked his first game with over 50 total yards since Week 8. Houston has done a good job of defending the slot, allowing the 10th least fantasy points to slot receivers, where Downs plays over 75% of his snaps. With all that in mind, the former Tar Heel makes for a boom-or-bust WR4 option in Week 18 with his big play ability.