The Indianapolis Colts are in an intriguing position heading into the 2026 season. They have traded away wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr and quarterback Daniel Jones is recovering from a torn Achilles tendon. They have some stars on the offensive side of things with tight end Tyler Warren and running back Jonathan Taylor. However, there are some players who are ready for a breakout season. Let’s take a closer look at who one outlet believes it can be for the 2026 season.
Josh Downs is the Indianapolis Colts’ 2026 breakout candidate
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (1) rushes the ball Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, during a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. © Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
The Athletic’s staff published an article where each beat writer chose one player who can break out in the 2026 season. Indianapolis Colts beat reporter James Boyd chose wide receiver Josh Downs, and below is what Boyd had to say about why this is his selection:
“Downs is already an established receiver, who’s shown he can be a playmaker in the NFL. However, the 2023 third-round pick is coming off a career-low 566 receiving yards in 2025. The departures of wideouts AD Mitchell and Michael Pittman Jr., who were traded to the New York Jets and Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively, should open up more opportunities for Downs as Indy’s No. 2 receiver behind the speedy and newly paid Alec Pierce. Downs is entering a contract year, so it would behoove him to have a career year in 2026 if he plans on cashing in next offseason.”
Josh Downs is entering his fourth season with the Indianapolis Colts in 2026 and is in the final year of his rookie contract. Last year, he played in 16 games (11 starts) and recorded 58 catches on 88 targets for 566 yards (9.8 yards per reception) with four receiving touchdowns.
With a more stable quarterback situation as Daniel Jones should recover from a torn Achilles tendon and the wide receiver depth chart pushing him up more, there is a lot of room for the soon-to-be 25-year-old wideout to take a step forward with the Indianapolis Colts in the 2026 season. It will be intriguing to see how Josh Downs looks in a contract season.
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