Indianapolis Colts’ second-year receiver Josh Downs will make his 2024 debut against the Chicago Bears on Sunday.
After being sidelined with a high-ankle sprain that he suffered back on August 7th, Downs was a full participant in all three practices this week and does not have an injury designation.
The return of Downs to the offense will provide some much-needed stability for the Colts short to intermediate passing game–an area that has been lacking in consistency through the first two games.
The Colts’ ability to move the ball has been very boom or bust. Either Anthony Richardson has connected on a big play or there’s been little success in moving the ball. Not helping things is the inconsistent play from the receivers who have been on the field.
Indianapolis has been getting crushed in the time of possession battle. In part, that’s because their defense can’t stop the run, but also contributing is the offense’s inability to sustain drives.
Downs is coming off a very good rookie season and one that GM Chris Ballard believes flew under the radar. Downs caught 72 percent of his passes for 771 yards–the second-most on the team–and two scores.
Among all wide receivers, he totaled the seventh-most yards from the slot. Downs also led the Colts in missed tackles and average YAC, along with picking up 30 first downs and having 10 receptions of 20-plus yards.
As good as that first season was, oftentimes it is in a player’s second year where they make the biggest developmental leap. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including the familiarity of being in the same system for a full year and the added comfort a year of experience at the NFL level can provide.
Prior to Downs’ injury, he appeared poised to make that big jump. Downs quickly emerged as a go-to target of Richardson’s in the early training camp practices, with the two having developed a very strong rapport, despite not having a ton of live reps together.
This week, the Colts will be up against a Bears defense that has done well at eliminating the explosive pass play. Moving the ball and putting up points likely has to come from sustaining drives.
Coming into the season, it was known that Richardson was going to go through growing pains as he gained more experience. But the thought was that there was enough help around him so that he wouldn’t have to routinely shoulder the workload.
However, that hasn’t been the case through two games. Getting Downs back in the mix should provide a massive boost for Richardson and the offense.
