Should I Start Josh Downs?

Wednesday, October 21, 2:58 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has 42 targets through the first six weeks of the 2026 season, but it has led to only 24 catches for 289 yards and no touchdowns. That qualifies as a disappointment for the 25-year-old, especially since Alec Pierce (heel) is on Injured Reserve, essentially making Downs the Colts' top pass-catcher. Tight end Tyler Warren (groin) also missed the Week 6 loss to the division-rival Tennessee Titans, and although Downs saw eight targets from quarterback Daniel Jones, he brought in only four of them for 40 yards and was kept out of the end zone yet again. Downs has finished with under 50 receiving yards in four of his six games so far this year, and his struggles have been amplified by the fact that he has not had a single touchdown catch yet. If the Colts continue to struggle in the coming weeks, Downs could be a candidate to be traded, which could actually be a plus for his rest-of-the-season outlook. Right now, Downs is still rostered in 87% of Yahoo leagues, but his fantasy managers are probably running out of patience. Pierce will not be back this weekend, but Downs faces a tough matchup against the 5-0 Minnesota Vikings.