Who Should I Start? Quentin Johnston or Josh Downs

Friday, October 17, 6:23 PM

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston (hamstring) is trending towards playing after missing last week due to a hamstring injury, logging a full practice on Friday. When healthy, Johnston has been productive, averaging 75.4 yards per game with 26 catches, 377 yards, and four touchdowns so far this season, with a 50% deep target rate. He now faces a weak Indianapolis Colts defense that ranks 22nd in Opponent Passing Yards per Game and has a banged-up secondary, which favors his downfield targets. Although his recent injury may have caused his ranking to decline, the high-scoring nature of this game should keep him heavily involved, especially in the red zone. RotoBaller projects Johnston as WR26 this week. If he is active, he should be considered a high-risk, high-reward WR3.

Wednesday, October 22, 12:08 PM

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that wide receiver Josh Downs (head) remains in the league's concussion protocol, but he will practice on Wednesday, according to Jake Arthur of Locked on Colts. Downs suffered a concussion in Week 6 and was unable to suit up in Sunday's victory over the Los Angeles Chargers. He appears to be making progress through the league's protocols for head injuries, and his return to practice on Wednesday is a good sign. Downs will most likely be limited in Wednesday's practice, though, and he will need to gain clearance from an independent neurologist later in the week to play in Week 8 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans. When healthy, Downs has served as the team's WR2 behind Michael Pittman Jr. If Downs can play this Sunday, it would make Alec Pierce less attractive as a flex play after his big performance against the Bolts.