Who Should I Start? Josh Downs or Brian Thomas Jr.

Wednesday, June 24, 5:25 AM

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.