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Josh Downs’ 2024 NFL season has been a mix of promise and frustration, as injuries and inconsistent quarterback play have made it tough for fantasy managers to rely on him week to week.
After missing the Colts’ Week 13 matchup with a shoulder injury, his status for Week 14 remains uncertain, leaving fantasy managers in limbo. This isn’t the first time Downs has been sidelined in 2024—he also missed the first two weeks of the season after suffering an ankle injury during the preseason. While he’s flashed plenty of talent, staying on the field has been an issue in his NFL career thus far.
So, what should we expect out of Downs for our fantasy lineups in Week 14?
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Josh Downs Injury Update
When healthy, Downs has shown he can be a reliable target in the Colts’ offense. Through 10 games, he’s put up 53 receptions for 594 yards and four touchdowns.
His quickness and ability to work underneath routes have made him a favorite in the short-to-intermediate passing game. However, injuries have disrupted his ability to build consistency, and with his status in doubt for Week 14, fantasy managers may need to look elsewhere.
#Colts WR Josh Downs on his right shoulder and being ruled out of Sunday’s game:
“It’s fine. Just coaches’ decision. Shane (Steichen) and the trainers talk about it and see what’s the best for the team.”
Not in the video, but Downs confirmed that he is week-to-week. pic.twitter.com/MBOKPJ28DX
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) November 29, 2024
Downs’ best stretch of the season came earlier in the year when veteran quarterback Joe Flacco was running the Colts’ offense. Flacco’s experience and accuracy allowed Downs to thrive, and his fantasy production reflected that with several strong performances.
In six games with Flacco, Downs averaged 17.7 PPR points per game and saw an average of 6.8 receptions, 76.3 receiving yards, and 0.5 touchdowns per game.
Without Flacco, Downs has averaged just 7.9 PPR points per game and saw his receptions dip to just 3.0 per game to go with 34 receiving yards, and 0.25 touchdowns per game. Not good.
And since the Colts made the switch back to Anthony Richardson under center, Downs’ fantasy outlook has taken a hit. Richardson’s inconsistencies as a passer, combined with his tendency to lean on his legs, have limited the upside for all Colts receivers, including Downs.
Josh Downs Fantasy Football Outlook
Heading into Week 14, Downs’ fantasy value is hard to trust. Even if he suits up, the uncertainty surrounding his role in an offense led by Richardson makes him a risky option. The Colts’ focus on their ground game with Jonathan Taylor, and Richardson’s uneven passing have created a volatile environment for pass-catchers.
This leaves Downs as more of a wait-and-see option for fantasy managers. At this point, he’s best viewed as a stash on your bench rather than a start in most formats.
Colts coach Shane Steichen unsure if WR Josh Downs (shoulder) will be ready for Week 15 game vs. Broncoshttps://t.co/lbegO7iytI pic.twitter.com/MEdXEySRtU
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) December 2, 2024
In the long run, Downs has the talent to develop into a key piece of the Colts’ offense, but his fantasy relevance in 2024 is limited by injuries and quarterback play. For now, managers will need to keep a close eye on his health and hope for more stability at quarterback. Downs may have brighter days ahead, but his fantasy prospects for Week 14 and beyond remain murky at best.
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