Josh Downs WR IND (14) Sun 12/31/23 5:56 PM
Josh Downs
WR IND (14)
Downs caught two passes for 52 yards on two targets in Sunday's 23-20 win over the Raiders.
EDGE Analysis
Gardner Minshew threw only 20 targeted passes Sunday, so Downs' usage was quite low despite the impressive explosiveness. Downs tends to line up in the slot for Indianapolis, and the Raiders' best corner is slot man Nate Hobbs, so it makes sense that the rookie would struggle to get open consistently in this setting. His Week 18 matchup with Houston might be a more favorable matchup, though the Colts' run-heavy offense tends to leave little for Downs and Alec Pierce after WR1 Michael Pittman gets his targets.
Josh Downs WR IND (14) Sun 12/24/23 6:53 PM
Josh Downs
WR IND (14)
Downs brought in six of nine targets for 39 yards in the Colts' 29-10 loss to the Falcons on Sunday.
EDGE Analysis
Downs led the Colts in receptions and targets in the absence of Michael Pittman (concussion), but that didn't add up to much on the yardage front. The speedy rookie hasn't topped 40 receiving yards in any of the last four games, and he hasn't been over 43 since Week 8. Even if Pittman is sidelined again in Week 17 against the Raiders, Downs isn't a sure bet to benefit by any stretch.
Josh Downs WR IND (14) Sat 12/16/23 8:43 PM
Josh Downs
WR IND (14)
Downs had three catches (on three targets) for 19 yards and three punt returns for 38 yards during Saturday's 30-13 victory versus the Steelers.
EDGE Analysis
The pleasant special-teams performance aside, Downs missed out on a prime opportunity to produce on offense after Michael Pittman departed with a concussion midway through the second quarter. Instead of turning his focus to the Colts' No. 2 wide receiver, quarterback Gardner Minshew spread the ball around to eight different players among his 18 completions, and only one of Downs' targets occurred after Pittman's exit. Considering Pittman will be subject to the protocol for head injuries in order to gain clearance for his next game action, Downs technically has a chance to for an increased role Sunday, Dec. 24 in Atlanta if the former isn't able to play.
Josh Downs WR IND (14) Sun 12/10/23 11:30 PM
Josh Downs
WR IND (14)
Downs secured all three targets for 32 yards in the Colts' 34-14 loss to the Bengals on Sunday.
EDGE Analysis
Downs put together his second straight three-catch effort and fifth consecutive sub-50-yard tally. The rookie wideout has flashed with much better production at times, but Gardner Minshew has been spreading the ball around to a wider variety of targets of late, helping lead to Downs' recent downturn.
Josh Downs WR IND (14) Sun 12/3/23 10:23 PM
Josh Downs
WR IND (14)
Downs recorded three receptions on five targets for 14 yards in Sunday's 31-28 overtime win against the Titans.
EDGE Analysis
Downs saw 13 targets in Week 12, but he was unable to replicate that effort against the Titans. He was overshadowed by Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce, the latter of which is particularly concerning for Downs' potential volume moving forward. Overall, he's been limited to under 45 yards in four consecutive games and under 20 yards twice in that span.
Josh Downs WR IND (14) Sun 11/26/23 6:32 PM
Josh Downs
WR IND (14)
Downs brought in five of 13 targets for 43 yards in the Colts' 27-20 win over the Buccaneers on Sunday.
EDGE Analysis
Downs tied Michael Pittman for the team lead in targets but was much less efficient, compiling half of his teammate's catch total. Nevertheless, Downs' reception and receiving yardage tallies were both still good enough for second on the Colts on the afternoon, and his catch total was his highest since Week 8. Downs next sets his sights on a Week 13 road matchup against the Titans' vulnerable secondary.
Josh Downs WR IND (14) Sun 11/12/23 1:28 PM
Josh Downs
WR IND (14)
Downs recorded two receptions on three targets for 40 yards in Sunday's 10-6 win over the Patriots.
EDGE Analysis
Downs played through a knee injury that was expected to keep him limited, and that came to fruition as he saw his lowest target total in a full game since Week 4. His primary contribution came on a 28-yard reception late in the fourth quarter that helped the Colts clinch a win. Heading into a bye, Downs should be able to return healthier for a Week 12 matchup against Tampa Bay.
Josh Downs WR IND (14) Sun 11/12/23 8:11 AM
Josh Downs
WR IND (14)
Downs (knee) is active for Sunday's game against the Patriots in Frankfurt, Germany, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.
EDGE Analysis
Downs was unable to practice in any capacity this week, but he still showed enough progress in his recovery from a knee issue to take a questionable tag into Sunday. Though Downs ultimately attained active status after going through a pregame workout, Adam Schefter of ESPN relays that the Colts could be cautious with how they use the rookie wideout. If that's the case, Downs could cede more snaps than usual to Alec Pierce and Isaiah McKenzie, who may see expanded roles behind No. 1 wideout Michael Pittman.
Josh Downs WR IND (14) Sat 11/11/23 10:19 PM
Josh Downs
WR IND (14)
Downs (knee), officially listed as questionable, is expected to play but may be limited in Sunday's game against the Patriots, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
EDGE Analysis
Downs was limited to just 11 offensive snaps in Week 9 against Carolina due to the same knee injury. He failed to practice in any capacity leading up to Sunday's matchup against New England, suggesting he's still held back significantly by the issue. Regardless of his ability to contribute, Downs' status will become official shortly before the team's 9:30 a.m. ET kickoff.
Josh Downs WR IND (14) Fri 11/10/23 3:39 PM
Josh Downs
WR IND (14)
The Colts list Downs (knee) as questionable for Sunday's game against the Patriots in Frankfurt, Germany.
EDGE Analysis
Though the questionable tag implies that Downs has a 50-50 shot of playing Sunday, his odds of suiting up may actually be lower, given that he failed to practice in any capacity from Wednesday through Friday. Whatever the case, the Colts will make an official call on Downs' status no later than 90 minutes before the 9:30 a.m. ET kickoff when the team releases its inactive list. Indianapolis is also listing fellow receiver Alec Pierce (ankle) as questionable, but he appears to have a better chance than Downs at playing after turning in a full practice Friday.