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

Thursday, June 5, 11:30 PM

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (knee) had an initial injury scare in voluntary OTA practice on Thursday when he bumped knees with a defender, but he's expected to be OK, a source told FOX 59's Mike Chappell. Pittman is sore and expected to be fine, but he'll likely be held out of mandatory minicamp next week as a precaution. The initial thought was that the 27-year-old former second-round pick (34th overall) in 2020 out of USC was dealing with another back injury, which was something he battled through for the majority of the 2024 campaign. He should be ready to go for training camp this summer as he looks to bounce back from a 69-808-3 line in 16 games (14 starts) in 2024. Pittman still has WR2 upside, but as a possession receiver, his best-case scenario for fantasy upside in 2025 is if Daniel Jones wins the QB battle over Anthony Richardson (shoulder).

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.