An ascending receiver is on the mend in Indianapolis.
Josh Downs suffered a high ankle sprain when he was taken down by safety Nick Cross during a 7-on-7 drill during Colts practice Wednesday and is estimated to miss 4-6 weeks while recovering, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, per a source.
Head coach Shane Steichen told reporters after practice that they "have to be smart" regarding Cross' takedown.
Downs proved himself as a steady slot receiver for the Colts as a rookie, catching 68 passes for 771 yards and two touchdowns despite running routes for both Anthony Richardson and backup Gardner Minshew in 2023. He was expected to play an even larger role in Steichen’s offense in 2024, but the injury will hamper his progress toward that goal.
A third-round pick out of North Carolina in 2023, Downs has manned a reliable role opposite Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce in Indianapolis. His absence will force the Colts to find another answer at the slot receiver position in the next month or so.
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.