The Indianapolis Colts are gearing up for a season in which their team possesses strong talent and high expectations. During Wednesday’s practice, second-year receiver Josh Downs suffered an injury during a 7-on-7 drill. Third-year safety Nick Cross was in coverage on the drill and was the reason why Downs got injured. When asked about what happened, Cross stated, “We’re playing football… I mean, we’re competing. It’s unfortunate, and I got to go see what’s up with him when I go inside”.
These remarks confused many as Cross appears to be apathetic about the situation. During these 7-on-7 drills and all drills during training camp thus far, tackling has not been implemented. Although the injury is unfortunate, it could’ve been a lot worse. According to reports on the injury, Josh Downs suffered a high ankle sprain and is expected to only miss 4-6 weeks. This means that Downs could miss the Colts week one opener at home against the Houston Texans.
How Josh Downs’ Injury Affects the Colts Offense
What the Colts Will Miss Out On
One of the things that made Josh Downs so effective as a pass catcher last season was his explosion and efficiency as a slot receiver. With the injury, the Colts will lose that level of skill and talent. Last season, as a rookie, Downs had 771 yards on 68 receptions, 30 first downs, and two touchdowns. He also had 371 yards after the catch, which ranked 19th among wide receivers. In zone coverage, he won 59.6% of the time, and against man coverage, he won 47.2% of the time. On contested catches in which a defender is closely in coverage, Downs won 58.3% of the time. Needless to say, the injury to Josh Downs will certainly leave a void that will be tough to compensate for.
It should also be noted that Downs was listed as the Colts number two receiver behind Michael Pittman Jr. With his injury, it will make things interesting for Adonai Mitchell and Alec Pierce. Those two were currently battling for the number three spot but could take advantage of the opportunity to move up until Downs returns.
Explosion on the Outside
With Josh Downs being a slot receiver, Mitchell or Pierce will not be his replacement but rather an alternative option for Anthony Richardson to throw the ball to. The slot is such a versatile position as it utilizes the middle of the field with both underneath passes and passes over the top. With Downs’ injury, the Colts might look to utilize the outside more to compensate for the void of the slot.
Michael Pittman Jr. is still their number-one receiver and will demand attention from defenses. This will, in turn, free up opportunities for Pierce and Mitchell on the outside. It is a known fact that Anthony Richardson likes to throw the ball deep. Therefore, Colts fans could see more deep shots and verticle routes that will give defenses headaches.
Opportunity for Ashton Dulin
With the injury to Josh Downs, there could be an opportunity for six-year veteran slot receiver Ashton Dulin. He missed all of 2023 with an ACL injury but is looking to get back to production in 2024. Dulin only has three starts in his career but has years of on-the-field experience as well as being a viable depth piece. Throughout the four seasons that he has played, Dulin has 33 receptions for 450 yards and three touchdowns. He also has 17 kick returns for an average of 25.8 yards per return.
Dulin is certainly not the caliber of a slot receiver that Josh Downs is, but with the injury, Dulin could have an opportunity to step up and step in. As mentioned, he has experience as a slot receiver and a kick returner and, therefore, poses viable abilities to help the team succeed.
Main Image: Grace Smith – USA Today Sports
