Josh Downs
Wide Receiver #1
Josh Downs News
Josh Downs Dealing with Calf Injury
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (calf) is sidelined with a calf injury, per Mike Chappell of FOX59. The 25-year-old was also unable to practice on Tuesday, and it appears this injury will keep him sidelined for a bit longer. Managers should continue to pay close attention to his status ahead of the final week of the preseason. Downs is expected to take on a much larger role in 2026 with Michael Pittman Jr. now in Pittsburgh. Additionally, the team's top wideout, Alec Pierce, is battling an ankle injury and has yet to return to practice. While the Colts did sign veteran wideout Keenan Allen earlier this month, Downs figures to open the season in a prominent role. In 2025, Downs brought in 58 passes for 566 yards and four scores. If he were to move past this injury, the wideout could have post-hype breakout appeal with a full-time role.
Aug 26, 2026 7:42 AM EST
Josh Downs Misses Practice With Undisclosed Injury
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (undisclosed) did not take part in Tuesday's training camp practice due to an undisclosed injury, according to James Boyd of The Athletic. It is unclear what Downs is dealing with at the moment and how long he might be out, but details on his situation should emerge sooner rather than later. The Colts were also missing tight end Tyler Warren (groin) and receiver Alece Pierce (ankle), who remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list. The 25-year-old Downs has stood out this summer in practices as the team's WR1 without Pierce available, so if his latest injury isn't serious, he will have an opportunity for the biggest role he's had on offense in his short time in the NFL with the Colts. Downs disappointed in Year 3 in 2025 with career lows in catches (58), targets (88), and receiving yards (566) while scoring four times in 16 games played. But with Michael Pittman Jr. out of town and Pierce potentially being eased back early on, Downs could get off to a strong start and never look back. Consider him an under-the-radar WR3/flex target in upcoming fantasy drafts as RotoBaller's No. 39-ranked receiver in 2026.
Aug 25, 2026 12:28 PM EST
Josh Downs to Still See Usage in Two-Receiver Sets
Used primarily from the slot through the first three seasons of his career, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has seen extensive outside work throughout training camp, with a lack of positional depth leading to a projection of expanded usage in two-receiver sets. With the Colts signing veteran receiver Keenan Allen on Monday night, there is now reason to question how that plan may be affected, but Colts analyst Destin Adams believes Downs will still see the bulk of the work alongside Alec Pierce when two receivers are on the field, with Allen mixing in as needed. Then when the team moves to 11-personnel, Downs will kick inside while Allen mans the 'Z'. While Adams' assessment is reassuring for those calling for a Downs breakout, the impact that Allen had in making Chargers receiver Ladd McConkey one of fantasy's biggest disappointments in 2025 can not be overlooked, and Downs, who has been coming off the board as the WR43, is likely to see his ADP drop.
Aug 18, 2026 5:49 AM EST
Josh Downs Should be Fine
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (back) briefly left training camp practice on Saturday after taking a hard fall on a leaping catch, but he later returned and should be fine, according to Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan. The Colts rested their starters in Thursday's preseason opener against the New England Patriots, including Downs, and it remains to be seen if he'll suit up for the second preseason contest on Saturday, Aug. 22, against the Atlanta Falcons. The 25-year-old has been standing out this summer as one of quarterback Daniel Jones' primary targets in the passing game with Alec Pierce still recovering from offseason ankle surgery and with Michael Pittman Jr. now in Pittsburgh. The former third-rounder in 2023 from North Carolina took a step back in 2025 with a 58-566-4 line in 16 games after going for a career-high 803 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 14 games in 2024. Even if Pierce is healthy this year, Downs has an excellent opportunity to increase his target share, making him an interesting WR3/flex target in fantasy football drafts.
Aug 16, 2026 9:55 AM EST
Josh Downs Exits Saturday's Practice Early After Landing Hard on his Back
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (back) exited Saturday's practice early after landing hard on his back, according to Andrew Moore of Sports Illustrated. According to Moore, Downs tried to walk it off but appeared to still be in pain. The 25-year-old is day-to-day for now, as the Colts should provide an update soon. Before the injury, Downs was having a strong training camp but did miss practice earlier in the week with a groin injury. The Colts are already down Alec Pierce (ankle) and can't afford to lose Downs on top of it. Ashton Dulin and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine would see an uptick in snaps if Downs were to miss any time. With Michael Pittman Jr. on the Steelers, Downs is set for a breakout year and should see an uptick in targets. Barring injury news, Downs is currently RotoBaller's WR40 and could be relied on right out of the gate with Pierce still sidelined.
Aug 15, 2026 4:01 PM EST
Josh Downs Back at Practice
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (groin) is in attendance for Tuesday's joint practice session with the New England Patriots. Downs missed three consecutive practices while dealing with a groin issue, but after a travel day on Monday, he will take the field in Foxboro. With starters unlikely to see much, if any, action in the team's preseason opener on Thursday, Tuesday's work against an unfamiliar opponent will serve to prepare the team for the regular season, and Downs' presence is a major boon. At RotoBaller's WR40, Downs is a 2026 breakout candidate who could be in line for his second career 100-target season following the departure of Michael Pittman Jr. in an offseason trade to the Steelers.
Aug 11, 2026 7:02 AM EST
Josh Downs Absent Again on Sunday
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (groin) is not practicing on Sunday as he deals with a groin issue that has now sidelined him for the past two days. With Alec Pierce (ankle) missing all of training camp on the PUP list as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery, Downs had been a focal point of the Colts' offense, but with his absence testing the team's positional depth, quarterback Daniel Jones will likely take to the field on Sunday with a first-team offense of Ashton Dulin, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, and a potential combination of Anthony Gould and Laquon Treadwell (hamstring). At RotoBaller's WR40, Downs is a popular breakout candidate ahead of his fourth season, but any prolonged absence could see him slip in drafts.
Aug 9, 2026 7:00 AM EST
Josh Downs Dealing with Groin Injury
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (groin) is not practicing on Saturday due to a groin injury sustained during training camp last week. The fourth-year receiver is eyeing a breakout season, with many vacated targets after veteran wideout Michael Pittman Jr. was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in March. With Alec Pierce (ankle) still on the PUP list and the next-best wide receivers on the roster, Ashton Dulin and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, the Colts need Downs to be healthy and produce in 2026. While it doesn't sound like a major injury, fantasy managers should monitor Downs' status over the next few weeks.
Aug 8, 2026 7:16 AM EST
Josh Downs Standing Out Ahead of Expanded Role
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has been one of the stars of training camp as the team prepares to feature him more heavily in 2026, according to ESPN. Downs caught 58 passes for a career-low 566 yards and four touchdowns last season after averaging 103 targets and 787 receiving yards over his first two years. Michael Pittman Jr.'s departure has opened a much larger opportunity, and the Colts are also giving Downs more work outside after using him primarily in the slot throughout his career. Head coach Shane Steichen said Downs can now play both spots and expects his role to grow this season. Tyler Warren and Alec Pierce will still command plenty of attention, but Indianapolis appears determined to get Downs back to being a central part of the passing game. If the expanded usage carries into the regular season, he has a strong chance to climb back toward the 100-target range and regain consistent value in PPR leagues.
Aug 6, 2026 11:09 AM EST
Josh Downs a Favorite Target for Jones
In what was a productive day for the Indianapolis Colts offense on Saturday, wide receiver Josh Downs stood out as a favorite target for quarterback Daniel Jones. Downs caught four passes and a touchdown during competitive 11-on-11 work, and was consistently open while running crisp routes and standing out from the rest of the receiver group, according to beat reporter Andrew Moore. With Alec Pierce still not practicing after undergoing offseason ankle surgery, Downs ran with Ashton Dulin and Laquon Treadwell in three-receiver sets, and as the only true lock from that trio to see regular work on game days, the fourth-year veteran took advantage of the opportunity to further develop his chemistry with Jones. The early days of camp indicate that Downs will see an expanded role in 2026, making him one of the better potential values in the middle rounds of drafts, and he is RotoBaller's WR42.
Aug 2, 2026 5:13 AM EST
Colts Want to Get Josh Downs Involved in Many Formations
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen told The Coachspeak Index that the team wants to get wide receiver Josh Downs involved in multiple formations in 2026. "Getting him involved any way we can, whether it's in 12 personnel -- obviously, he plays a lot in the slot in 11 personnel. But just trying to find different ways to get him the ball," Steichen said. The 24-year-old pass-catcher's fantasy stock is on the rise this summer with veteran Michael Pittman Jr. now in Pittsburgh and with Alec Pierce (ankle) starting training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list. Downs, a third-rounder in 2023 from North Carolina, took a step back in 2025 with a 58-566-4 line in 16 games in his third season in the league after a career year in 2024 in which he caught 72 of his 107 targets for 803 yards and five touchdowns in 14 games. Another breakout could be coming for Downs if QB Daniel Jones (Achilles) makes a successful return, making him an attractive WR4/flex target as a sleeper in upcoming fantasy football drafts.
Jul 28, 2026 10:02 AM EST
Josh Downs Primed for Career Year in Indy?
The Athletic's James Boyd lists Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs as a breakout candidate in 2026 after the departures of Adonai Mitchell and Michael Pittman Jr., who were traded to the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively. Alec Pierce (ankle) is also recovering from offseason surgery that could slow him down early on. Downs is an established receiver in the NFL, having recorded 2,140 yards and 11 touchdowns on 198 receptions in his three years in the league. However, the 24-year-old former third-rounder from the University of North Carolina in 2023 is coming off a career-low 566 receiving yards in 2025. Downs should have more opportunities in his fourth year in the NFL, though, and he'll be motivated as he enters a contract year if he plans on cashing in next offseason on the free-agent market. There's more risk in the Colts' offense as a whole with quarterback Daniel Jones coming off a torn Achilles tendon, the increase in route share and per-route target rate should be enough to put Downs on fantasy managers' radars as a great value pick in the later rounds of drafts. RotoBaller currently has Downs ranked as the No. 42 fantasy WR for 2026.
Jul 15, 2026 10:02 AM EST
Can Josh Downs Deliver the Breakout Campaign He Was Unable to in 2025?
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs was a popular breakout candidate heading into the 2025 season, and while his 58 receptions and 566 receiving yards were both career lows, it's easy to see why there's renewed hype heading into 2026. After leading the team in targets in each of the past five seasons, the departure of Michael Pittman Jr. via trade has created an opportunity for Downs to see the largest role of his career, and early reports out of minicamp would suggest he's ready to take advantage. After seeing minimal usage in two-receiver sets throughout his first three years in the league, Downs was regularly spotted working on the outside, indicating a role beyond the slot-only usage that has defined his career. It's worth noting that after signing a four-year, $114 million deal, presumed number one receiver Alec Pierce has been absent from practices, creating a heightened need for a second outside presence, and at only 5'9", it may still be unreasonable to expect an every-down role from Downs. That said, the depth chart behind the two homegrown talents is incredibly thin, with journeyman Nick Westbrook-Ikhine next in line for starter's reps. At only 24 years old, the best football of his career is likely still ahead of him, and with the burns of last year's WR48 finish potentially fresh in the minds of some dynasty managers, Downs can still be acquired at a reasonable cost.
Jun 24, 2026 5:25 AM EST
Josh Downs to See an Expanded Role and More Targets in 2026
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has predominantly been used out of the slot through his first three seasons in the league, but following the departure of Michael Pittman Jr. via trade to the Steelers, the 5'9" former third-round pick could be moved all over the formation. The Colts committed $84 million in guaranteed money to presumed number one receiver Alec Pierce following a career year in 2025, but behind him, the table is set for Downs to step into an expanded role. Downs was seen lined up on the outside throughout mandatory minicamp, routinely making plays regardless of which quarterback was running the offense, and head coach Shane Steichen told reporters, "I think Downs, his role will step up a little bit more - more targets for him." The 24-year-old Downs is RotoBaller's WR44 for 2026, and, set to reach free agency in 2027, he could be the next Colts receiver to see a massive payday.
Jun 22, 2026 5:13 AM EST
Josh Downs Climbing Up the Dynasty Rankings with Bigger Role Ahead?
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has been trending up in dynasty leagues. The 24-year-old receiver's dynasty stock has benefitted from the Colts' decision to trade Michael Pittman Jr., which should leave Downs in line to start alongside Alec Pierce. While Pierce projects as the Colts' top receiver after his big payday, Downs has the potential to carve out a fantasy-relevant role. This offense is good enough to support two fantasy-relevant receivers for several years to come, especially as long as Daniel Jones is under center. Downs has ranked between WR35 and WR44 in each of his three NFL seasons, but we wouldn't be surprised to see him take a big step forward and post the best fantasy finish of his career in 2026. Downs set a new career low in catches, yards, and fantasy points last year, softening his price tag in dynasty leagues. Managers should take advantage of this discount and send out trade offers for the UNC product before his potential Year 4 breakout.
May 30, 2026 5:02 PM EST
Josh Downs a Top Buy-Low Candidate Ahead of NFL Draft
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs had a bit of a down year in 2025, recording 58 receptions for 566 yards and four touchdowns on 88 targets across 16 games. The Colts' 2025 draft-day acquisition of tight end Tyler Warren and the emergence of wide receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) both limited Downs' role in his team's offense. After averaging 7.6 targets per game in 2024, Downs averaged just 5.5 targets per game in 2025. While Warren and Pierce both remain in Indianapolis, the Colts traded away veteran wideout Michael Pittman Jr., who earned 111 targets last season. In Pittman Jr.'s absence, Downs should be in a position to play a more prominent role in the Indianapolis passing game. If the Colts do not add another big-name pass-catcher in the upcoming NFL Draft, Downs' dynasty value will almost certainly be on the rise. As such, now could be the best time for dynasty managers to buy low on Downs ahead of a possible bounce-back season.
Apr 21, 2026 12:20 PM EST
Josh Downs Headed for More Targets in 2026?
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs is a strong candidate to earn more targets during the 2026 season. The Colts traded away Michael Pittman Jr. earlier this month, bumping Downs up to No. 2 on the depth chart. He might not be as heavily involved as Alec Pierce, who just fetched a $114 million deal, but he still has a chance to surpass his previous career-high of 107 targets. He was just the WR51 in half-PPR leagues with Daniel Jones (Achilles) healthy, but he also missed two games during that window. On a more compelling note, he caught at least six passes in four of his first eight games last season, adding three touchdowns along the way. Pittman's 111 vacated targets have to go somewhere. Presumably, they'll mostly be split among Pierce, Downs, and Tyler Warren. We wouldn't be surprised to see Downs return to his 2024 form, which included a top-36 finish at the wide receiver position in fantasy football. He's an intriguing buy-low in dynasty leagues as he takes on a larger role and gets his quarterback back from injury.
Mar 31, 2026 6:08 AM EST
Josh Downs to See Larger Role Going Forward?
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs is a candidate to get more involved on offense after the team traded away Michael Pittman Jr. earlier this week. Pittman's departure for Pittsburgh leaves Downs and the newly-extended Alec Pierce as Indianapolis' top two wide receivers. Pierce's $116 million deal indicates that he's the new No. 1 receiver on the Colts, but there's still plenty of room for Downs to exist and contribute. The 24-year-old had 58 catches, 566 yards, and four touchdowns last year. Those were subpar numbers, but part of the blame can be placed on the state of the Colts' offense during the back half of the season with Philip Rivers at quarterback. With Daniel Jones (Achilles) returning and Pittman shipped away, Downs will have a chance to return to his 2024 form, when he was the Colts' No. 2 receiver and finished as the overall WR35 in PPR leagues. A top-36 finish is well within reach for Downs in 2026, making him a potential buy-low dynasty option this offseason.
Mar 12, 2026 9:00 PM EST
Could Josh Downs See More Work with Colts WR Room in Flux?
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs was a popular breakout candidate heading into 2025, but it was ultimately his teammate, Alec Pierce, who took the next step and led the team with his first career 1,000-yard season. With Pierce now facing unrestricted free agency, it seems inevitable that a shakeup is coming to the Colts' wide receiver room. Should Pierce end up leaving for a top-of-market deal, a giant hole will be left atop the depth chart. However, for Downs' fantasy future, it might be more beneficial if Pierce stays in Indianapolis. Pierce and Downs play very different games, as evidenced by the 11.6-yard differential in their 2025 ADoT. For the Colts to retain Pierce likely means moving on from Michael Pittman Jr. and his $29 million cap hit, either through trade or release, which would represent a best-case scenario for Downs. Pittman has led the team in targets every season since 2021, with most of his looks coming in the short-to-intermediate areas of the field, also patrolled by Downs.
Mar 4, 2026 7:12 AM EST
Is Josh Downs poised for a larger role in the Colts Offense?
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs is coming off the worst NFL season of his young career. Despite Daniel Jones playing at an MVP level early in 2025, Downs was unable to become a consistent contributor in the offense. The 24-year-old had career lows in receptions (58), targets (88), and receiving yards (566) while scoring four touchdowns in 16 games. Downs took a backseat in the Colts' passing attack as Alec Pierce had a breakout season and Tyler Warren established himself as one of the NFL's best tight ends. However, there could be major changes coming to the Colts' offense that favor Downs, with Pierce becoming a free agent and Michael Pittman Jr. a potential cut candidate. This would open up more targets in the offense and create an opportunity for Downs to become a top-3 pass catcher. Even with these possibilities, Downs won't be much more than a late-round dart throw in dynasty leagues, with limited upside in 2026.
Feb 27, 2026 4:26 PM EST
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