Indianapolis Colts’ wide receiver Josh Downs will return to practice on Wednesday, announced head coach Shane Steichen.
Downs would suffer a shoulder injury in the Colts’ Week 12 loss to Detroit. That following Monday, Ian Rapoport would report that Downs was considered “week to week” moving forward.
After not practicing at all that week, Downs did not play against New England but now has a chance to potentially return in what is essentially a must-win game for the Colts’ against Denver.
Without Downs versus the Patriots, we saw a by-committee approach when it came to filling that slot role. Alec Pierce, Kylen Granson, AD Mitchell, and Michael Pittman all saw their share of snaps lined up inside.
Shane Steichen also used a heavier dose of two tight end sets, which requires only two receivers to be on the field.
All season long, Downs has been a go-to option for the Colts’ passing game and providing needed stability. He’s been one of the most productive slot receivers in football, caching 53-of-74 targets for 594 yards with four touchdowns.
Awaiting the Colts’ offense this week is a stingy Denver defense that, through the air, is giving up only 6.1 yards per pass attempt–the fourth-lowest average this season.
As of now, we still do not know if Downs will be available on Sunday, but obviously, him being back on the practice field is a good step in the right direction.
