Who Should I Start? Michael Pittman Jr. or Josh Downs

Wednesday, July 23, 5:52 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (knee) took part in the team's first training camp practice on Wednesday, according to the Indianapolis Star's Joel A. Erickson. It's good to hear that Pittman is practicing on the first day of camp after he dealt with some knee soreness on the last day of OTA practices in the spring. The 27-year-old is the team's unquestioned WR1, but it remains to be seen if it will be Daniel Jones or Anthony Richardson Sr. throwing him passes to open the 2025 season in early September. Pittman took a step back in 2024 with a 69-808-3 line in 16 regular-season games (14 starts), primarily because of the turmoil at the QB position. It also didn't help that Josh Downs took a big step forward. He may never see as many targets as he did in 2022 and 2023, and neither Jones nor Richardson will be great for his fantasy value as more of a WR4/flex.

Wednesday, May 28, 10:24 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (undisclosed) and tight end Drew Ogletree (undisclosed) both miss Wednesday's voluntary practice with soft-tissue injuries. Downs has had his share of injuries already through two NFL seasons, so although it's early in the offseason, his health is worth watching closely the closer we get to training camp and the preseason. The 23-year-old former third-rounder (79th overall) in 2023 out of North Carolina took a small step forward in 2024 with a 72-803-5 line on 107 targets over 14 games (eight starts). A lot of his production last year came with veteran quarterback Joe Flacco under center, and his 5-foot-9, 171-pound frame limits his overall upside. Downs' 2025 fantasy value will likely hinge on who wins the Colts' QB competition between Anthony Richardson and Daniel Jones.