Josh Downs is forcing the Colts to rethink the way they’ve been using him
Josh Downs has spent his first two NFL seasons looking like a receiver who could grow into a bigger role for the Indianapolis Colts. He has not been the centerpiece, but he has been steady, sure-handed and dependable enough to keep the offense moving.
That’s what makes the current push around him so notable. Fresh off an 803-yard, five-touchdown season, Downs seemed set up for a bigger 2025. Instead, he found himself sliding down the priority list as the Colts centered their attention on first-round pick Tyler Warren in the first year of the Daniel Jones era.
Now the picture has changed. With Michael Pittman gone, the Colts are clearly trying to get Downs back on track by giving him more chances. ESPN’s Stephen Holder said the team understands what he can do if the opportunities come his way.
"But there is an effort underway to reprioritize Downs in 2026. Some of that is happening organically; Pittman has been traded and Pierce is still rehabbing from offseason surgery. But some of it seems more deliberate, with the Colts in recent months emphasizing just how good Downs was in his first two seasons and vowing not to forget," wrote Holder.
At 5-foot-9 and 171 pounds, Downs has lived almost entirely in the slot. According to Pro Football Focus, 17.4 percent of his snaps have come out wide, and he has been far more efficient working between the numbers.
That matters now more than ever. Michael Pittman Jr. had been the Colts’ most reliable possession target in recent years, and with him in Pittsburgh, Shane Steichen may need to get inventive. That could mean moving Downs around more or leaning into quick and intermediate throws to help Daniel Jones settle in.
The Colts also didn’t do much to patch their receiver room. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has reportedly stood out in camp, and his size gives him a chance in contested situations, but he has never been a major offensive presence.
Downs is also in a contract year, which only adds to the urgency. The Colts have spent enough time with Tyler Warren now that Downs should not have to stand off to the side while the rookie draws all the attention. There ought to be enough work to go around.
Alec Pierce complicates the mix as well. Indianapolis is paying him WR1 money and believes he can be the featured option, but his production has still been more splash than steady. He has not reached 50 catches in a season, and it remains to be seen how he handles a bigger workload if defenses take away the deep ball.
The case for Downs is simple. He has topped 700 receiving yards in each of his first two seasons, and leaving that kind of production underused would be a mistake. He has also built better chemistry with Daniel Jones in training camp, and with the Colts expected to stay under center more often, his quickness and short-area movement could become even more valuable.
Downs wants more. The Colts need more from him. And this time, they can’t afford to let him become the forgotten piece again.
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The quarterback situation has at least looked steadier, with Daniel Jones signing an extension and turning in a strong camp, but the offense is still waiting on more clarity elsewhere. Alec Pierce is recovering from ankle surgery and does not have a set return date, leaving one of the teams top receiving options in limbo as the Colts try to turn offseason investment into something more convincing by opening day. [Read more 🡒]