Indianapolis Colts rookie wide receiver Josh Downs is expected to be ready to practice when training camp commences July 26 after missing OTAs and minicamp due to a knee injury.
Downs, a third-round pick, was one of the standouts during rookie minicamp. His connection with fellow rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson was palpable as the duo connected several times on passes over the middle.
In a recent Q&A with James Boyd of The Athletic, Downs was asked if he will be 100% ready for training camp. The rookie confirmed he will be ready to go for the start of camp.
Downs will be an intriguing player to watch during training camp and the preseason. He will be battling with veteran Isaiah McKenzie for the starting slot role in Shane Steichen’s offense.
The North Carolina product may be a bit undersized at 5-foot-9 and 171 pounds, but he’s a crafty route runner with sticky hands and a penchant for playing well above his size. He can win quickly underneath as a quick-hitting option, but he also showed a knack for tracking and competing for jump balls.
The Colts will need someone to step up in the wide receiver room behind Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce, the two starters on the depth chart.
With Downs healthy to begin training camp, the rookie will have a strong case to make for the valuable role as the slot receiver.
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