Despite being seemingly on track to play during Sunday’s game against the Packers after being a full participant in Friday’s practice, Downs is considered a gametime call.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs, who’s recovering from a high-ankle sprain suffered during early training camp, is considered ‘50-50’ regarding whether he’ll play against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday:
While Downs was a full participant during Friday’s team practice, and that would ordinarily place him on track to play for Week 2, it appears as though he’ll truly be a “game-time decision,” as the Colts training staff may want to see how the ankle responds to cutting and on-the-field work prior to Sunday’s kickoff.
Downs missed last week’s opener against the Houston Texans, but is still well within the 4 to 6 recovery timetable he was initially given.
During 17 games (9 starts) as a rookie in 2023, Downs recorded 68 receptions for 771 receiving yards (11.3 ypr. avg.) and 2 touchdown receptions.
He was showing budding chemistry with fellow 2nd-year starter Anthony Richardson, who of course has returned this season from a season-ending shoulder injury suffered last year.
When he does return, Downs should provide a reliable safety valve for Richardson during the short to intermediate areas of the field and also a solid option to find the soft spots when facing zone coverage. Downs has demonstrated sure hands, separation, slipperiness, and the ability to make contested catches during his early pro career.
If the Colts take it cautious on Downs for at least another week, he’ll be missed out there again, and it’ll be rookies AD Mitchell and Anthony Gould once again filling in at the slot.
