ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 24: Head coach Shane Steichen of the Indianapolis Colts celebrates after a touchdown with Josh Downs #1 during the first quarter in the game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Indianapolis Colts’ second-year wide receiver Josh Downs is set to face a challenging period on the sidelines, as NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports he is expected to be out for 4-6 weeks due to a high ankle sprain. The injury occurred during Wednesday’s training camp practice, when a tackle by starting free safety Nick Cross left Downs in visible distress.
The incident unfolded during 7-on-7 team drills. Despite the competitive nature of training camp, Colts head coach Shane Steichen expressed frustration with the tackle, emphasizing the need for caution during practice. “We gotta be smart,” Steichen said in a post-practice press conference, as reported by The Athletic’s James Boyd. “We’re competing like crazy, but we gotta stay off the ground, and we can’t go down.”
Rapoport’s report corroborates an earlier update from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who indicated that the sprain could sideline Downs for roughly a month. While the Colts’ medical team remains hopeful that Downs will be on the shorter end of the recovery timeline, the injury is nonetheless a significant setback for the team.
The Colts’ regular season opener is fast approaching on September 8th, where they will face the Houston Texans. Given the recovery timeline, Downs’ return could be tight, putting his availability for the season opener in question.
Downs had emerged as a key component of the Colts’ offense following a standout rookie season. In 2023, he accumulated 68 receptions for 771 yards and two touchdowns across all 17 games, making nine starts. His development, particularly his growing rapport with second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson, was a bright spot for the Colts. Losing Downs for any significant period could impact the team’s offensive chemistry and rhythm.
As the Colts gear up for the 2024 season, they will be hoping for a swift recovery for Downs. For now, the team and its fans will be keeping their fingers crossed—and perhaps more fittingly, their fingers “Cross-ed”—for a quicker-than-expected return for their promising slot receiver.
