The Indianapolis Colts are listing wide receiver Josh Downs as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Denver Broncos.
Downs is working through a shoulder injury that he suffered in Week 12 against Detroit. The injury forced him to miss the Colts’ Week 13 game with New England, and this past Wednesday was his first practice back.
Some good news, however, is that after being limited on Wednesday, Downs was a full participant on Thursday and Friday.
Downs said after Friday’s practice that whether he plays or not will be a “coach’s decision,” but he feels good.
Throughout the season, even as the Colts’ offense has experienced its ups and downs, Downs has provided a steady, go-to presence in the passing game.
Even with missing three games, he’s been one of the game’s most productive slot receivers, catching 53 passes for 594 yards with four touchdowns.
Also of note for an offense that has struggled to sustain drives, of Downs’ 53 total receptions, 31 have gone for a first down.
Awaiting the Colts’ offense is a stingy Broncos defense, led by their front that has been one of the best units at pressuring opposing quarterbacks, while also limiting ball carriers to only 3.8 yards per rush.
Success for Indianapolis will still begin on the ground, but this is a game where ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky said that the Colts tight ends and receivers will need their best performance of the season.
