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Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has had some solid performances for fantasy in limited stretches this season, but his production has been inconsistent due to multiple injuries and inconsistent quarterback play.
Downs left the Colts Week 12 contest against the Detroit Lions after suffering a shoulder injury and missed their Week 13 matchup with the New England Patriots. The Colts were on a bye in Week 14, and many are wondering if he will be back for the team's pivotal game against the Denver Broncos.
So, will Downs return to action in Week 15, and what should we expect from him in fantasy? Let's dig in.
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Josh Downs Injury Update
In Week 15, Downs got in a "limited" practice with the team on Wednesday, and he practiced again on Thursday, but his availability for this Sunday's game is still in question.
Downs missed the first two weeks of the 2024 season after suffering an ankle injury during the preseason, but the biggest concern for him currently is his shoulder and how well it might be able to hold up for the rest of the year.
Colts back to work today.
Guys practicing again:
-Josh Downs
-Ryan Kelly
-Jaylon Carlies
-Tanor BortoliniBraden Smith (personal) still absent. pic.twitter.com/IPfjnWNFia
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) December 12, 2024
Downs has several solid performances for fantasy this season, but that came with veteran Joe Flacco under center and not with the Colts' current starting quarterback, Anthony Richardson.
Josh Downs Fantasy Football Outlook
Downs has the most value in PPR leagues, where he is a very solid wide receiver from the slot. The Colts have been using a heavy four-man rotation at wide receiver this season between Downs, Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and rookie Adonai Mitchell.
Josh Downs Gets In Limited Practice Wednesday
Colts WR Josh Downs (shoulder) got in a limited practice on Wednesday. That should have him on track to play vs. the Broncos this weekend. But, with QB Anthony Richardson under center and a tough matchup, Downs is no better t... pic.twitter.com/7KQIhGUGLK
— Draft Sharks (@DraftSharks) December 12, 2024
Looking at Downs' splits for 2024 with and without Flacco under center for the Colts tells us all we need to know for fantasy.
In six games with Flacco, Downs averaged 17.7 PPR points per game while averaging 6.8 receptions for 76.3 receiving yards and o.5 touchdowns per game.
In four games without Flacco, Downs' fantasy production has dipped to 7.9 PPR points per game while averaging just 3.0 receptions for 34 yards and 0.25 touchdowns per game, quite a stark difference!
While Richardson is just in his second NFL season, there is still time for him to grow as a passer, but as far as fantasy is concerned, it's very difficult to trust Downs right now, given his current injury and the team's quarterback situation. Keep him on your bench and let someone else take the risk.
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