Who Should I Start? Josh Downs or De'Zhaun Stribling


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
10.3 0.5 0.0 4.3 44.6 0.2

Josh Downs News

Josh Downs Says Calf Injury Is "Very Minor"

Wednesday, August 26, 10:57 AM

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.


Week 1 Projections

Fant.
Pts.
Rush.
Yds.
Rush
TD
Rec. Rec.
Yds.
Rec
TD
5.2 0.1 0.0 1.8 24.4 0.1

De'Zhaun Stribling News

De'Zhaun Stribling's Redraft Stock Continues to Climb

Tuesday, August 25, 11:14 AM

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling (shoulder) has already spent August pushing his way up redraft boards, and another Mike Evans injury only adds to the rookie's case. Evans is not practicing Tuesday because of a groin injury after leaving Sunday's session early. Stribling has done more than benefit from injuries around him. The 33rd overall pick has caught 11 of 13 targets for 109 yards through two preseason games, including four receptions for 46 yards against the Chargers on Thursday. He also caught two touchdowns during last week's joint practice and has earned praise from Brock Purdy for his reliability and strong hands. Stribling has dealt with a shoulder issue of his own, but he returned Sunday in a non-contact jersey after sitting out Saturday. Ricky Pearsall (knee) is already out for the season, while Evans and Christian Kirk (calf) are now both dealing with injuries. Deebo Samuel Sr. remains part of a crowded target picture, so an immediate featured role isn't guaranteed. Still, Stribling has gone from WR75 in RotoBaller's July rankings to WR51 now. His redraft stock is clearly headed in the right direction.


Josh Downs vs. De'Zhaun Stribling

Still trying to decide between Downs and Stribling? Check on the latest news to make sure both players are active and healthy. Our PPR projections show that Josh Downs is projected to score 10.3 points this week while De'Zhaun Stribling is projected to score 5.2 points.