Josh Downs Just Outside The WR3 Ranks In Tough Matchup
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs returned from a one-game absence after the Colts' bye week in Week 15, only to produce three catches for 32 yards. While the eight looks the 23-year-old drew were encouraging, Anthony Richardson's sub-50% completion rate continues to limit Indy's receivers. On top of that, the second-year quarterback has four rushing touchdowns on the ground over the last four weeks compared to just three through the air (along with four INTs), further capping their upside. In addition, the Colts take on the Titans in Week 16, a defense that has allowed the fifth-fewest fantasy points to opposing receivers on the season. Michael Pittman Jr. has been more productive over the last four weeks, but Alec Pierce will be out on Sunday as he recovers from a concussion, so Downs could benefit from a few extra looks. The former third-round pick is shaping up to be a WR4 this week in a contest that features one of the lower expected totals on the board.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) returned from injury on Sunday, but was only able to corral three of his eight targets for 32 scoreless yards in Sunday's 31-13 loss to the Broncos. With quarterback Anthony Richardson completing less than 50% of his passes in the contest, no receiver had a big day in this offense. The eight targets were second to Michael Pittman Jr.'s nine, but it was at least an encouraging sign that more bountiful fantasy days could be ahead if Richardson can fix the accuracy issue. With the fantasy football playoffs upon us, there isn't much time to resolve it though and the 23-year-old is probably too risky to play in most leagues. The Titans, next week's opponent, are middle of the pack versus wide receivers in terms of fantasy points allowed, and just allowed 14 catches for 182 yards to Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but Downs will be a dicey WR option given his environment.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) is officially active for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. He had been listed as questionable, but the expectation was that he'd be able to play. Downs has appeared in 10 games this year, catching 53 passes for 594 yards and four touchdowns. The 23-year-old seemed to play better when catching passes from Joe Flacco, but even with Andy Richardson under center, he's still a solid WR3/FLEX option as the fantasy playoffs get underway in most leagues.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) is anticipated to suit up for Sunday's contest versus the Denver Broncos. The wideout was battling a shoulder injury, keeping him off the field for the Week 13 meeting with the New England Patriots. Fortunately, the Colts were off in Week 14. But with Downs logging full practice sessions during the week, he's expected to be back, which is good news for fantasy managers. The 23-year-old has been productive in his 10 appearances this season, amassing 53 catches for 594 yards and four touchdowns, making him a starting fantasy option for the challenging matchup against the Broncos.
According to James Boyd of The Athletic, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. Downs was unable to suit up in Week 13 with this same injury but had a bye week during Week 14, which gave him additional time to recover. In addition, Downs was able to log two full practices on Thursday and Friday, which is also a positive sign for his availability. Across ten games this season, the sophomore wideout has averaged a solid 13.8 PPR points per game and tallied 59.4 yards per game. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status over the weekend, but Downs should be in a good position to return to action. However, he has a tough task ahead of him, facing a Denver secondary that has allowed the 11th-fewest PPR points to opposing wideouts this season.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) was a full participant in Thursday's practice, an upgrade over his limited session on Wednesday. Downs did not play in the team's win over the New England Patriots in Week 13 and had last week's bye to rest up. The extra rest appears to have done the 23-year-old well, as he's currently on track to make his return versus the Denver Broncos on the road in Week 15. Downs has improved in his second NFL season, but he had a higher fantasy ceiling when veteran quarterback Joe Flacco was running the offense. Anthony Richardson's accuracy issues are well-documented, giving Downs more bust potential as a WR4/flex. In his last two games with Richardson under center, Down has eight catches for 111 yards and a TD. The Week 15 matchup in Denver isn't an ideal one, either.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) is taking part in Thursday's practice session. Downs was limited in the first practice of the week on Wednesday coming out of the team's Week 14 bye, and he has a real chance at returning this weekend for a big game against the Denver Broncos on the road. The 23-year-old sat out of the Week 13 win over the New England Patriots due to a shoulder injury, but he appears to be on the right track to make his return in Week 15. Downs' potential return is bad news for Michael Pittman Jr. in Indy's low-volume passing attack. From Weeks 8-12, Downs saw at least nine targets three times, went over 100 yards receiving once and caught two touchdowns for the Colts to become a weekly flex option with upside in fantasy. Fantasy managers may want to temper expectations in Week 15 if he returns, though, especially against a tough Denver defense.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) will practice on Wednesday. He suffered a right shoulder injury in the fourth quarter of the Colts' Week 12 loss to Detroit and missed Week 13's contest against the New England Patriots. With Downs practicing on Wednesday, he is trending in the right direction toward being active for Sunday's game against the Denver Broncos. The Colts are a few games out of the last playoff spot, so they must finish the season strong to have a chance to play in January. Downs production has been boom-or-bust this season. The 23-year-old has 53 catches for 594 yards and four touchdowns over 10 games in 2024. However, in a game script that may have the Colts playing from behind, Downs should see targets in Week 15, making him a viable WR3 if he's active in Week 15.
Josh Downs Not Guaranteed To Be Ready After Bye Week
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen is unsure if wide receiver Josh Downs (shoulder) will be ready to roll for a Week 15 showdown against the Denver Broncos after the bye in Week 14. Downs injured his shoulder in the Week 12 loss to the Buffalo Bills and was unable to play in the Week 13 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday. It's telling that the Colts are unsure if Downs will be ready, even with the benefit of a bye this week. It was another low-volume passing game for quarterback Anthony Richardson against New England, as he attempted only 24 passes. Michael Pittman Jr. unsurprisingly led the team with only 42 receiving yards. Alec Pierce had only two catches for 16 yards but did find the end zone for a crucial TD, while rookie Adonai Mitchell couldn't convert on his two targets. Downs should be stashed in most fantasy leagues, but he might not be able to return until Week 16 against the division-rival Tennessee Titans.
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said that wide receivers Josh Downs (shoulder) and Aston Dulin (ankle) have officially been ruled out for Sunday's tilt versus the New England Patriots in Week 13. After injuring his shoulder in the Week 12 loss to the Detroit Lions, Downs was fighting an uphill battle to play this week against the Patriots, and now he's officially out. Fantasy managers will obviously want him on their benches in Week 13. A bye in Week 14 will hopefully give Downs all the rest he needs to be good to go in Week 15 to face the Denver Broncos. Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce (foot) and rookie Adonai Mitchell figure to be Indy's top three receivers this Sunday with Downs sidelined. The 23-year-old Downs has become one of the team's most dynamic receiving weapons in 2024 in his second season, catching 53 of his 78 targets for 594 yards and four touchdowns in 10 games.
Josh Downs
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Colts
