Josh Downs

Indianapolis Colts
Wide Receiver #1
FANTASY NEWS STATS INJURY

Josh Downs News RotoBaller

Josh Downs Needs a Bounce-Back in Week 5

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs is hopeful that better days are ahead for him against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 5. Downs was almost non-existent during last week's win over the Washington Commanders. He hauled in three of his four targets for 16 yards during the overseas victory. Before that game, Downs had posted back-to-back 70-plus yard performances. He'll draw a tough matchup against the Steelers secondary this weekend. It's hard to get excited about Downs as anything more than a flex option for this Week 5 road contest in Pittsburgh.

Oct 9, 2026 6:34 PM EST

Josh Downs A Massive Fantasy Football Bust in Week 4

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs appeared set to have a massive game against the Washington Commanders in Week 4. They have a weak pass defense, and have been ineffective at slowing down opposing wideouts this season. But Downs, despite getting open on multiple occasions, was only targeted four times in Week 4. He caught three of those passes for 16 yards. Colts quarterback Daniel Jones is partly at fault, as he threw only 143 passing yards. His ineffectiveness this season has held back Downs quite a bit. But even WRs Ashton Dulin and Laquon Treadwell topped Downs' targets and yardage marks. His target share of just under 12 percent was miserable for his fantasy production and concerning for his future. Jones just didn't look his way enough, for whatever reason. There isn't much deep analysis to do on Downs' poor game except that he may not get as many looks as fantasy managers would have hoped even when he's separating well from defensive coverage. He's falling down into WR4 territory, and it's hard to be optimistic about his Week 5 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Oct 4, 2026 9:33 PM EST

Josh Downs A Start-Worthy Fantasy Football WR3/Flex In Week 4

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has settled into a larger role in his team's offense after the injury to Colts WR1, Alec Pierce (heel). Pierce will miss at least three more weeks after re-aggravating the heel injury in the leg he had surgery on in the offseason. Downs was targeted a season-high 11 times in Week 3, which was his most volume in a game since 2024. He caught five of those passes for 77 yards. The Commanders have a soft pass defense, which should be a good matchup for Downs on paper, though they tend to be leakier against outside receivers than those in the slot. His diminutive size keeps him in the slot mostly, but he's been one of the NFL's best separators and has averaged 13.3 yards per catch, a healthy clip considering his best capability is his short-area route running. Downs is in WR3/flex territory for this matchup, and is worth a start in 12-team full-PPR leagues for Week 4.

Oct 3, 2026 2:21 AM EST

Josh Downs Making the Most of a Bigger Opportunity

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has become a much bigger part of the passing game over the last two weeks. Downs followed seven catches for 72 yards against Kansas City with five receptions for 77 yards on a team-high 11 targets in Sunday's win over Houston. That gives him 12 catches for 149 yards on 20 targets during that stretch. Alec Pierce (heel) landing on injured reserve has opened more opportunity, but Downs has done his part to earn it. He and Daniel Jones spent considerable time working together during the offseason while Pierce was unavailable, and that connection is starting to show up on Sundays. Downs has also moved from WR24 in RotoBaller's final Week 3 rankings to WR21 in the early Week 4 half-PPR ranks. Indianapolis gets Washington next, and another game without Pierce should leave Downs with plenty of chances to keep this recent run going.

Sep 30, 2026 8:37 AM EST

Josh Downs Primed For Breakout In Week 3 vs Houston

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs will be a bigger part of his team's passing offense in Week 3 against the Houston Texans. Colts starting WR Alec Pierce (heel) was placed on injured reserve after aggravating a heel injury in Week 2. With Indy's most productive receiver from last season sidelined, Downs will be tasked with absorbing some of his teammate's vacated targets. Downs has been one of the most efficient receivers in football when on the field. His upside has been limited by a lack of usage in the pass game, playing mainly in the slot, and not seeing much downfield work. Pierce's absence necessitates that some of those things change. The Texans have one of the NFL's better defenses, but they allowed higher-than-average slot WR production in 2025 as a result. Downs and tight end Tyler Warren are the only healthy pass-catchers on the Colts that have shown reasonable upside this season. Expect Downs to eclipse 10 targets this game, and start him as a WR3/flex with upside in fantasy football leagues.

Sep 26, 2026 9:04 AM EST

Josh Downs Has More Work Coming His Way

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs finally got going in Week 2, catching seven of nine targets for 72 yards in the overtime loss to Kansas City. He had only two catches for 37 yards in the opener, so the jump in involvement was hard to miss. Alec Pierce left Sunday's game in the first quarter after aggravating his surgically repaired heel and is now slated to go on injured reserve. That should leave more work for Downs, even after Indianapolis signed Darius Slayton this week. Keenan Allen and Tyler Warren are still going to command targets, so this is not suddenly a one-man passing game. Downs does have a clearer path than he did a week ago, though. He led the Colts in targets, catches, and receiving yards against the Chiefs and now has nine receptions for 109 yards through two games. RotoBaller has him at WR26 for Week 3 against Houston. With Pierce set to miss time, Downs has a chance to turn one busy night into a much steadier role.

Sep 24, 2026 8:00 AM EST

Josh Downs Busy and Productive In Week 2 Loss

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs was targeted nine times in his team's Week 2 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He converted those looks into seven catches for 72 yards. It was a refreshing game for him after he only saw four passes go his way in Week 1. He's the primary slot receiver for this team, but doesn't see the field much on 2WR sets, meaning his upside is heavily capped. However, he's likely set to have a bigger role in the near future, as Colts starting WR Alec Pierce (heel) re-injured the heel he struggled with in the offseason. Pierce was likely rushed back into action too soon, meaning Indianapolis could choose to be more cautious with him moving forward. A big role in 2WR sets isn't likely for Downs, though, because he's a diminutive receiver that struggles to block much bigger players on run plays. His ceiling case is more likely as long as Pierce is out, and he could see a high target rate. Downs moves into WR3/flex territory as long as Pierce remains unable to play, and should be rostered in all fantasy leagues. A Week 3 matchup with the Houston Texans might seem tough on paper, but they've struggled the past two weeks. Downs is in good shape to have another nice game.

Sep 20, 2026 11:38 PM EST

Josh Downs A Deep League Starting Option For Week 2 at Chiefs

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs didn't do much in Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens, catching just two of his four targets for 37 receiving yards and finishing with only 5.7 PPR fantasy points. It's not all doom and gloom, though. The Ravens totally dominated the Colts defense on the ground, and dominated time of possession. Additionally, Colts quarterback Daniel Jones tore his Achilles tendon late last offseason, and he's still working his way back to full health. Downs is typically a very efficient receiver on a yards per route basis, though he mostly plays in the slot, meaning he's off the field for 2WR sets while WRs Alec Pierce (heel) and Keenan Allen stay on the field, since they're better blockers. Downs is the third option in this passing offense, after Pierce and tight end Tyler Warren. He can be started in deep PPR leagues for his upside, though he may need some time to get going this season on a struggling offense. He's still a very good short-to-intermediate route runner with excellent change-of-direction ability.

Sep 19, 2026 4:37 AM EST

Josh Downs' Stock Down After Underwhelming Week 1 Usage

As he has done throughout his four-year career, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs worked primarily from the slot in a Week 1 loss to the Ravens, and although he led the team in pass-play snaps, he earned only three targets, finishing with two receptions for 37 yards. With fellow wideout Alec Pierce seemingly being eased back toward a full workload and running only 22 total routes after missing most of training camp while recovering from offseason ankle surgery, Downs had the opportunity to seize a more impactful role, but he was unable to capitalize. After missing practice on Thursday with a heel injury, Pierce returned to the field on Friday, and there is an expectation that his involvement will continue to ramp up, so Downs' usage will need to be monitored moving forward, but a similar role in the team's Week 2 matchup with the Chiefs could lead to him becoming an early-season drop candidate.

Sep 18, 2026 10:00 AM EST

Josh Downs is an Intriguing Option for Deep Leagues in Week 1

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (calf) practiced in full all week and looks to put his minor training camp injury behind him as he goes into Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens. Admittedly, Downs is coming off a rough 2025 season, setting career lows in receiving yards (566), targets (88), and receptions (58). Even though Michael Pittman Jr. moved on during the offseason, Downs will still share targets with freshly acquired veteran Keenan Allen and Alec Pierce (heel), with the latter possibly being on a snap count in Week 1. Downs showed promise last year between Weeks 6 and 9 with quarterback Daniel Jones, finishing as a WR2 in each week except for Week 7 when he was ruled out due to a concussion. Looking to this Sunday, Downs has a decent matchup against the Ravens defense, which ranked in the bottom five against wide receivers last year. However, the Ravens defense got a massive overhaul in the offseason and will almost certainly show different schemes this year under new head coach Jesse Minter. This week, Downs is Rotoballer's WR33, placing him firmly in WR3/low-end flex territory, but with high upside.

Sep 12, 2026 12:34 AM EST

Josh Downs Looks Well-Positioned for a Resurgent Season in Indianapolis

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs had a down year in 2025, setting career lows in targets (88), receptions (58), and receiving yards (566). The offseason has been a roller coaster ride for his fantasy value, as Downs' stock appeared to be trending up following the Colts' trade of veteran star wideout Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Then, Indianapolis signed veteran slot receiver Keenan Allen, throwing Downs' role in the team's offense back into question. Downs has also battled back and calf injuries this summer, limiting his availability for stretches of training camp. However, Downs has returned to practice and looks like he will be ready to go for the start of the regular season. The Colts wide receiver room outside of Downs also has questions, as Allen was recently arrested and charged with DUI, and top wideout Alec Pierce (ankle) has missed most of the summer while he recovers from ankle surgery. All in all, Downs profiles as a sleeper target in fantasy drafts ahead of what could be a resurgent season.

Sep 5, 2026 5:21 AM EST

Josh Downs Returns from Calf Injury and Practices on Tuesday

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (calf) did not participate in the team's final preseason game after missing a pair of training camp practices with a minor calf injury, but he was back on the field on Tuesday as the team begins preparations for a Week 1 contest with the Ravens. Downs suffered a minor back injury earlier in camp and saw his draft stock take a hit following the late free agent signing of veteran Keenan Allen. After playing primarily out of the slot through the first three years of his career, Downs found extensive work on the outside throughout the summer, but questions about his role and workload have re-emerged in recent weeks, and he is now RotoBaller's WR38 for 2026.

Sep 1, 2026 9:37 AM EST

Josh Downs' ADP Sits Steady in Ninth Round

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs entered this offseason as one of the biggest risers in football. The offense was trending up, Daniel Jones was returning from injury, and Downs took a step up the depth chart after Michael Pittman Jr. was traded to Pittsburgh. As a result, his ADP rose steadily throughout the summer, and he's now looking to replicate his five-touchdown performance as the overall WR35 in PPR 2024. The bad news is that the Colts extended Alec Pierce as their No. 1 receiver and recently signed Keenan Allen to be their projected No. 2 receiver, leaving Downs in a relatively unfavorable role. We also can't forget that the Colts have Tyler Warren to offer a major boost at the tight end position. While there's no denying that Downs is quite talented, he has been holding pretty steady at his ADP of 102.9, which ranks him as the overall WR41 in PPR leagues for this season.

Aug 31, 2026 9:38 PM EST

Josh Downs Says Calf Injury Is "Very Minor"

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (calf) downplayed the injury that has kept him out of practice the past two days. According to James Boyd, Downs called it "very minor" and said the team is simply being precautionary. He sat out Tuesday before the Colts identified the issue as a calf injury Wednesday. Downs also missed practice time earlier this month with a groin injury, so Indianapolis has already been careful with him during camp. The 25-year-old caught 58 passes on 88 targets for 566 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games last season after posting a career-high 803 yards in 2024. Michael Pittman Jr. is now in Pittsburgh, although the recent addition of Keenan Allen gives the Colts another proven option alongside Downs and Alec Pierce. For now, there isn't much reason to move Downs down fantasy boards based on his own description of the injury.

Aug 26, 2026 10:57 AM EST

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