WR Josh Downs, IND (1 Viewer)

[Faust]

Colts Training Camp Journal, Day 12: Josh Downs Shines vs. Bears

 

[Faust]

Colts third-round rookie Josh Downs played ahead of Isaiah McKenzie in the slot in Saturday’s second preseason game.

It was a reversal of the Colts’ exhibition opener, where McKenzie got the first crack. Perhaps the Colts planned this rotation all along, but Downs has been earning universal praise for his play in camp. His third-round draft capital would probably also be enough to break a tie with McKenzie, who would still be waiting in the wings as a viable backup plan. McKenzie can also function as a designed-play specialist. Colts reporter Nate Atkins thinks the team could end up relying on Downs’ short game to help bring along inexperienced rookie QB Anthony Richardson.

 

[Faust]

The Athletic’s James Boyd says Colts WR Josh Downs has been “a volume target throughout training camp and the preseason.”

Through two preseason games, Downs has run routes exclusively from the slot. He’s also been targeted on five of those 17 routes, notching four receptions for 49 yards in limited action. Operating in the short and intermediate parts of the field, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Downs develop into a reliable target for rookie Anthony Richardson this season. Downs was an elite playmaker after the catch during his days at North Carolina and has 4.48 speed to turn any short target immediately upfield. Assuming he wins the starting slot role over Isaiah McKenzie, Downs could be a player to monitor early in the season.

 

[runner06]

Isiah McKenzie released per Colts Facebook and Instagram. The Colts only have 3 WRs now on their 53 man active roster so I assume they’ll add someone?

 

[barackdhouse]

Isiah McKenzie released per Colts Facebook and Instagram. The Colts only have 3 WRs now on their 53 man active roster so I assume they’ll add someone?

Irsay has ordered that Richardson run the ball on every play.

 

[FFWhiskey]

I like Downs quite a but, but I don't know what his TD upside will be especially in this offense.

Fits the typical slot guy mold, was highly productive in college but not all of these guys can be "guys".


Pittman ahead in pecking order. Year 2 interests me, heck he might end up with a few 8+ catch games this season. Colts will be bad, lots of garbage time. Seemingly not much competition for snaps though and you have to be on the field to put up points, so he has that going for him.

 

[barackdhouse]

I like Downs quite a but, but I don't know what his TD upside will be especially in this offense.

Fits the typical slot guy mold, was highly productive in college but not all of these guys can be "guys".


Pittman ahead in pecking order. Year 2 interests me, heck he might end up with a few 8+ catch games this season. Colts will be bad, lots of garbage time. Seemingly not much competition for snaps though and you have to be on the field to put up points, so he has that going for him.

I'm a fan of all three, Pittman, Pierce and Downs. I was very very high on Downs and then he fell pretty far in rookie drafts because of the landing spot. And in fact he is on some dynasty waivers.

But they could really develop into a nasty threesome. Pittman is the outside possession guy, Pierce takes the top off (Richardson can accommodate that) and Downs is the swiss army knife that *could* supplant Pittman as the target leader over the next couple years or so.

 

[The Frankman]

Josh Downs caught 3-of-7 targets for 30 yards in the Colts’ Week 1 loss against the Jaguars.

Downs was second in targets behind Michael Pittman (11). He had an impressive 22 yard catch and run, and was one shoestring tackle away from a long touchdown. A mainstay in three-wideout sets, Downs’ fantasy prospects will be hampered thanks to a Colts offense that wants to be among the league’s run heaviest. He can be rostered in deeper PPR leagues.
- Rotoworld

 

[Faust]

Dwain McFarland
Josh Downs is taking over the No. 2 role for the Colts.

Best day yet.

84% route participation
29% target share
21% air yard share
13.7 fantasy points

WR5 with upside.

https://twitter.com/dwainmcfarland/status/1706093360384025087?s=21

 

[The Frankman]

Josh Downs caught 8-of-12 targets for 57 yards in the Colts’ Week 3 win over the Ravens.

Downs’ was Gardner Minshew’s favorite receiver in this game. He paced the team in targets, most of which came on underneath routes for easy completions. Downs matched his target total on the season in this game alone. Over half of his receptions on the year came versus Baltimore. Minshew’s checkdown-heavy style will keep the PPR points coming for Downs as long as he remains under center. If Anthony Richardson is back from his concussion for Week 4, Downs’ fantasy outlook will take a hit.
- Rotoworld

12 targets is 12 targets. You hope he can keep it going once Richardson comes back and he was outsnapped by Pittman/Pierce, but he still played 80% of the snaps.

 

[TampaMike19]

Definitely have my eye on him on waivers this week. PPR gold with room to grow. Need to own him over most of the waiver trash out ther.e

 

[Timmay]

Just picked him up off waivers for a stash play. I hope his production wasn't only because of Minshew getting the start.

 

[FFWhiskey]

He is the last available "sleeper" rookie. Tank Dell and Zay Flowers have already "arrived".


Once he goes for 8 / 70 / 1 TD it will be too late. You want to be ahead of these trends, not behind. If Flowers and Dell can produce, then it's a matter of when not if with Downs.

 

[Faust]

Every Josh Downs' catch from 125-yard game | Week 7

 

[Faust]

NFL Rookie Watch
Josh Downs just put up a LEGACY game against the Cleveland Browns:

• 6 targets (led team)
• 5 receptions (led team)
• 125 receiving yards (led team)
• 1 receiving TD

Downs is now up to 33 receptions for 401 yards on the season and is on pace for NEARLY 1,000 receiving yards.

The Colts have found their next TY Hilton in their rookie WR

https://x.com/nflrookiewatxh/status/1716192378359631981?s=61

 

[travdogg]

Lotta fantasy points to be had in this offense, as this defense can't stop anything, and Minshew can make plays (often for both teams, but that's fantasy friendly in a Jameis Winston kind of way)

Hopefully it all goes through Taylor, Pittman and Downs.

 

[TampaMike19]

I am definitely not benching this guy any time soon. Looks like he and Pittman are the only WR's doing anything. Definitely agree with @travdogg that play volume is going to be at thing here.

 

[Houston turmOiler]

Questionable 4:25 game. Idk if he picked up a knee thing in practice on Thursday or what. Says he's been limited the last couple days. Hope he's ok. Sure like having him in my flex the last month.

 

[BlackCrowes]

I’m all in on this guy. It’s a risk but he could go off in the 2nd half

 

[Houston turmOiler]

I’m all in on this guy. It’s a risk but he could go off in the 2nd half

I'm trying to figure out a contingency plan in case he doesn't go. I don't want to take him out if I don't have to... The Colts seem to play some wild games and it's fun to have Downs in there.

 

[Tanner9919]

this kid is a legit talent and legit fantasy scoring entity.

 

[Smack Tripper]

I’m all in on this guy. It’s a risk but he could go off in the 2nd half

I'm trying to figure out a contingency plan in case he doesn't go. I don't want to take him out if I don't have to... The Colts seem to play some wild games and it's fun to have Downs in there.

Shakur?

 

[Houston turmOiler]

I’m all in on this guy. It’s a risk but he could go off in the 2nd half

I'm trying to figure out a contingency plan in case he doesn't go. I don't want to take him out if I don't have to... The Colts seem to play some wild games and it's fun to have Downs in there.

Shakur?

Shakir is definitely a possibility and about the best that would be available if I waited for a game-time decision. But I was hoping some homers might have more info on what Downs is dealing with before I have to cut someone. I could pivot to JSN before if we had more information, for instance.

 

[heckmanm]

I’m all in on this guy. It’s a risk but he could go off in the 2nd half

I'm trying to figure out a contingency plan in case he doesn't go. I don't want to take him out if I don't have to... The Colts seem to play some wild games and it's fun to have Downs in there.

Shakur?

Shakir is definitely a possibility and about the best that would be available if I waited for a game-time decision. But I was hoping some homers might have more info on what Downs is dealing with before I have to cut someone. I could pivot to JSN before if we had more information, for instance.

Same boat here, except my FA options for late games are Terrace Marshall, Parris Campbell and Olamide Zacchaeus

 

[Down Under]

I’m all in on this guy. It’s a risk but he could go off in the 2nd half

I'm trying to figure out a contingency plan in case he doesn't go. I don't want to take him out if I don't have to... The Colts seem to play some wild games and it's fun to have Downs in there.

Shakur?

Shakir is definitely a possibility and about the best that would be available if I waited for a game-time decision. But I was hoping some homers might have more info on what Downs is dealing with before I have to cut someone. I could pivot to JSN before if we had more information, for instance.

Same boat here, except my FA options for late games are Terrace Marshall, Parris Campbell and Olamide Zacchaeus

Could go with his replacement - Isaiah McKenzie

 

[Faust]

Josh Downs (knee) 'tracking to play' for Colts, source says

 

[PIK95]

I'm not playing him almost anywhere fwiw. I have Dotson and J Reed I will roll with instead. Terrified of getting a 2 if he tweaks it after a couple of drives. Need that floor today.

 

[IHEARTFF]

I'm not playing him almost anywhere fwiw. I have Dotson and J Reed I will roll with instead. Terrified of getting a 2 if he tweaks it after a couple of drives. Need that floor today.

Same I’m taking similarly ranked options over him today

 

[Snoopy]

Officially active

 

[TampaMike19]

I'm not playing him almost anywhere fwiw. I have Dotson and J Reed I will roll with instead. Terrified of getting a 2 if he tweaks it after a couple of drives. Need that floor today.

Wish I listened to you. You were spot on on the money. Ugh-

 

[heckmanm]

I'm not playing him almost anywhere fwiw. I have Dotson and J Reed I will roll with instead. Terrified of getting a 2 if he tweaks it after a couple of drives. Need that floor today.

Wish I listened to you. You were spot on on the money. Ugh-

Yeah I could have rolled with Doubs (3.6) or Puka (3.2) instead

 

[PIK95]

I'm not playing him almost anywhere fwiw. I have Dotson and J Reed I will roll with instead. Terrified of getting a 2 if he tweaks it after a couple of drives. Need that floor today.

Wish I listened to you. You were spot on on the money. Ugh-

Even the blind squirrel...I actually played Dotson and not Reed everywhere.

 

[Fat Clemenza]

I'm not playing him almost anywhere fwiw. I have Dotson and J Reed I will roll with instead. Terrified of getting a 2 if he tweaks it after a couple of drives. Need that floor today.

i read this and thought it was a very sound thought process. I benched Downs for Gabe Davis. Would've been better off with Downs. LOL

 

[Down Under]

I benched Downs for Tank Dell as I needed points and didn't think I could survive the potential near zero. I think that might be the first time over thousands of decisions that a last-minute change worked out as well for me.

I do hope Downs is ok though. When I need a floor, Downs is much more reliable than the boom/bust Dell. I think.

 

[PIK95]

II do hope Downs is ok though. When I need a floor, Downs is much more reliable than the boom/bust Dell. I think.

If both are HEALTHY, I agree 100%

 

[bcat01]

Any updates on how bad the knee injury is?

 

[karl.Racki]

Downs is turning into their #1..

 

[menobrown]

Any updates on how bad the knee injury is?

Have not seen anything but with the bye week coming in 11 I'm not at all expecting him to play this week and at this point hoping this does not go like Joshua Palmer and he's ready to go week 12.

 

[Down Under]

Any updates on how bad the knee injury is?

Josh Downs Injury Update: Latest on the Colts Rookie WR

One Colts WR leaves, and another comes back in. Michael Pittman Jr. appears to be fine, but Josh Downs has left today's game.

www.profootballnetwork.com

 

[Grace Under Pressure]

Saw that he didn't practice at all on Thursday. Colts are on a bye Week 11. There's a pretty realistic scenario where he doesn't play again until Week 12.

 

[tkrull1]

I wish they would just declare him out already. I'd like to move him to an IR spot.

 

[menobrown]

Shefter gave the word that he's expected to play but hinted he could be limited.

Actually wish he'd sit since I'm not going to use him but barring a setback I find this good news for week 12. Was concerned for longer.

 

[Faust]

Colts beat writer Nate Atkins writes Josh Downs’ knee injury has been an issue since “organized training activities in the spring.”

Credit to Downs for gutting through this injury as long as he has. The rookie slot receiver has impressed to the tune of 43 receptions for 523 yards and two touchdowns through 10 games, but saw light work in Week 10 before the team’s bye. According to Atkins, the Colts held Downs out of voluntary activities but, “the injury never healed” and flare ups have been common throughout the season. In an article published on IndyStar.com, Downs “had no idea if he was going to be able to play” in the Colts’ game against the Patriots, but he ultimately suited up and caught 2-of-3 targets for 40 yards. According to Downs, the injury isn’t “anything alarming” but the rookie has played on 25 percent of snaps or less in each of the last two games. The injury knocked him from Week 9 against the Panthers. Downs said he expects to be “100 percent” after the bye week, but it sounds like this is a nagging issue that could continue throughout the season. This is definitely something to monitor heading into Week 12 against the Buccaneers.

 

[Faust]

Josh Downs (knee) returned to practice Wednesday.

Typically, a return to practice comes after a player missed a game plus the preceding practices. Downs indeed missed all three of the Colts’ practices the last time they were on the field, but he still managed to play through his questionable tag versus the Patriots. As expected, he played a limited role, seeing just three targets in Week 10. The Colts’ bye week should have helped him get closer to full strength, though the rookie has been dealing with this knee issue since the offseason. It will be slightly harder to trust him as a fantasy WR2 knowing that he may still be limited because of the knee injury.

 

[Tanner9919]

as long as he's a top 15 WR at next year's draft, it's all good for us who own him in fantasy

 

[Houston turmOiler]

Josh Downs (knee) returned to practice Wednesday.

Typically, a return to practice comes after a player missed a game plus the preceding practices. Downs indeed missed all three of the Colts’ practices the last time they were on the field, but he still managed to play through his questionable tag versus the Patriots. As expected, he played a limited role, seeing just three targets in Week 10. The Colts’ bye week should have helped him get closer to full strength, though the rookie has been dealing with this knee issue since the offseason. It will be slightly harder to trust him as a fantasy WR2 knowing that he may still be limited because of the knee injury.

I was going to start him until I read this. He could be back to normal since they had the bye, but I'd like to see him play a game without being limited or being a decoy first.

 

[tkrull1]

Josh Downs (knee) returned to practice Wednesday.

Typically, a return to practice comes after a player missed a game plus the preceding practices. Downs indeed missed all three of the Colts’ practices the last time they were on the field, but he still managed to play through his questionable tag versus the Patriots. As expected, he played a limited role, seeing just three targets in Week 10. The Colts’ bye week should have helped him get closer to full strength, though the rookie has been dealing with this knee issue since the offseason. It will be slightly harder to trust him as a fantasy WR2 knowing that he may still be limited because of the knee injury.

I was going to start him until I read this. He could be back to normal since they had the bye, but I'd like to see him play a game without being limited or being a decoy first.

Same.

 

[JohnnyU]

Josh Downs (knee) returned to practice Wednesday.

Typically, a return to practice comes after a player missed a game plus the preceding practices. Downs indeed missed all three of the Colts’ practices the last time they were on the field, but he still managed to play through his questionable tag versus the Patriots. As expected, he played a limited role, seeing just three targets in Week 10. The Colts’ bye week should have helped him get closer to full strength, though the rookie has been dealing with this knee issue since the offseason. It will be slightly harder to trust him as a fantasy WR2 knowing that he may still be limited because of the knee injury.

I was going to start him until I read this. He could be back to normal since they had the bye, but I'd like to see him play a game without being limited or being a decoy first.

Starting him over Jeudy.

 

[Shawnky]

Josh Downs (knee) returned to practice Wednesday.

Typically, a return to practice comes after a player missed a game plus the preceding practices. Downs indeed missed all three of the Colts’ practices the last time they were on the field, but he still managed to play through his questionable tag versus the Patriots. As expected, he played a limited role, seeing just three targets in Week 10. The Colts’ bye week should have helped him get closer to full strength, though the rookie has been dealing with this knee issue since the offseason. It will be slightly harder to trust him as a fantasy WR2 knowing that he may still be limited because of the knee injury.

I was going to start him until I read this. He could be back to normal since they had the bye, but I'd like to see him play a game without being limited or being a decoy first.

Starting him over Jeudy.

I’d think that would be a fairly easy decision.

 

[Drake Hater]

He's coming off a bye and playing against a pretty bad pass defense. Matchup and game script this week are in Downs' favor, esp in PPR.