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The Indianapolis Colts expect much from second-year wide receiver Josh Downs after a solid rookie campaign. The third-round draft pick from the University of North Carolina finished the 2023 NFL season with 68 receptions for 771 yards and two touchdowns.
Multiple reports confirmed that Downs had a solid training camp, so he seems on the right track. His partnership with Anthony Richardson showed promise as they continued to build their chemistry during the scrimmages.
Unfortunately, Downs' impressive training camp will be halted after he was tackled in a seven-on-seven drill. Will this injury jeopardize his availability for the 2024 NFL season?
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Josh Downs Injury Status
After Downs was helped off the field, the team's medical staff determined that he suffered a high ankle sprain. Worst yet, it was an avoidable injury if not for a tackle by safety Nick Cross during a seven-on-seven drill.
While all Colts players were in full pads during practice, teams conducted seven-on-seven training for a specific reason. Quarterbacks and wide receivers use it to develop their timing, while defenders must make a play on the ball. Therefore, tackling offensive players is discouraged but not prohibited.
In a subsequent interview, Cross repeated that he competed on the field and had no beef with Downs. However, his actions will sideline one of their best wideouts.
#Colts FS Nick Cross, asked about the play in which he injured WR Josh Downs:
“I mean, we’re playing football. We’re competing. Josh is my guy. I love that boy to death. … It’s unfortunate.”
On if he should’ve pulled up:
“We’re here to play football at the end of day.” pic.twitter.com/Npaj7JWL9X
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) August 7, 2024
When Will Josh Downs Return?
ESPN senior NFL writer Jeremy Fowler wrote that Downs could miss four to six weeks due to his high ankle sprain. That timeline means he won't participate in the Colts' preseason games against the Denver Broncos, Arizona Cardinals, and Cincinnati Bengals.
However, his availability in the Colts' season opener against the Houston Texans is uncertain, especially if he takes over a month to recover. Indianapolis dodged a bullet with this estimate because Downs found it hard to put weight on his injured ankle after the contact with Cross.
Missing some games could have Downs falling short of RotoBaller's projected stats of 775 receiving yards and four touchdowns this season. Those numbers make him the 58th wide receiver in RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Meanwhile, his ADP of 147 makes him a flex play in most formats.
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