The Indianapolis Colts playoff odds took a hit following their 24-6 loss to the Detroit Lions, but the Josh Downs injury might be the story of the game. A third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the North Carolina product entered the game leading the team in receptions and touchdowns while second in yards behind Alec Pierce. Whether it’s Joe Flacco or former first-round pick Anthony Richardson, the 5′-9″, 171-pound wideout has remained one of the most important pieces of this passing attack.
Josh Downs suffered a shoulder injury after falling awkwardly at the end of the play. Unable to get off the field, the Colts listed the wideout as questionable to return. While he made it back to the game, nobody knows how this will impact him moving forward. At 5-7, the Colts must have an adequate slot option to keep their playoff hopes alive, and Michael Thomas is the best free agent available. The Colts could bring him in, but they might have to fight the Los Angeles Chargers for the honor.
Colts, Chargers Could Fight Over Michael Thomas After Josh Downs Injury
There was a time when Michael Thomas was one of the best receivers on the planet. A second-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Ohio State product began his career with a remarkable 92 receptions for 1,137 yards and nine touchdowns. He was even better over the next three seasons, making three Pro Bowls while leading the league in receptions twice and yardage once. He performed well with Hall of Famer Drew Brees and Teddy Bridgewater and, at just 26 years old, appeared to have a bright future in the league.
Unfortunately, a series of injuries sidelined him for most of the 2020-2022 seasons. Appearing in just eight games over those three campaigns, Thomas finally returned to the field in 2023. Staying healthy for 10 games, the wideout finished the season with 39 receptions for 448 yards and one touchdown, respectable numbers but nothing close to what he did at his peak. The Saints parted ways with the veteran at the end of the season and hasn’t received much public interest, but the Josh Downs injury could change that.
Chargers Competition
Michael Thomas makes sense as Josh Downs injury insurance, but they shouldn’t be the only team interested in his services. First-year head coach Jim Harbaugh rebuilt the Chargers in the offseason and, after 12 weeks of action, Los Angeles looks like one of the best teams in the league. Entering Monday Night Football with a 7-3 record, the team should make the playoffs thanks to Harbaugh’s improved coaching, an elite defense, and the special play of Justin Herbert. This team has the talent to go on a deep playoff run, and Michael Thomas could be the missing piece for this offense.
Second-round pick Ladd McConkey is the real deal, and 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston is a solid third option in the passing attack. However, free agent signee DJ Chark has been a healthy scratch, as the former Pro Bowler simply cannot recapture his old form. Harbaugh wants to win football games with a strong rushing attack, but he can’t ignore the lack of depth at wide receiver. Thomas is not the player he once was, but Los Angeles should sign him to the practice squad and see what’s left in his tank.
Main Photo: Junfu Han – USA Today Sports
