In Indianapolis, a rising star in the world of receivers is facing a setback on his path to greatness. Josh Downs, a talented slot receiver for the Colts, has recently been sidelined due to a high ankle sprain suffered during a practice drill.
The unfortunate incident occurred when safety Nick Cross brought Downs down during a 7-on-7 session. According to NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, Downs is expected to miss 4-6 weeks as he recovers from the injury.
Despite his rookie status, Downs made a significant impact for the Colts last season, showcasing his skills by hauling in 68 passes for 771 yards and two touchdowns. His versatility was evident as he worked with both Anthony Richardson and Gardner Minshew at quarterback. His performance earned him a promising role in Steichen’s offense for the upcoming season.
However, this injury will undoubtedly slow down his progress and may impact his chances of taking on a larger role in the offense in 2024. With Downs out of the lineup, the Colts will need to search for a suitable replacement to fill the void at the slot receiver position.
It’s a tough blow for Downs and the Colts as they navigate through this unexpected setback. Head Coach Steichen will need to make adjustments to his game plan in order to compensate for the loss of such a key contributor.
“We’ll see how Steichen adjusts — that is, after processing the frustration that comes with seeing a key contributor go down in a non-contact drill,” said a source close to the team.
As Downs focuses on his recovery, Indianapolis fans can only hope for a speedy return for the budding receiver. His absence will be felt on the field, but with determination and hard work, Downs will no doubt bounce back stronger than ever.
