Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (2) catches a pass during training camp at Gillette Stadium.
Eric Canha-Imagn Images
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs is down but not out.
With that lame pun out of the way, Downs can focus on recovering from his calf injury, which prevented him from participating in practice on Tuesday and Wednesday. Downs also dealt with a groin injury a few weeks ago.
The 25-year-old pass-catcher is in the final year of his rookie contract, and he cannot afford to sit out for an extended period if he wants to secure a bigger deal. He said he is not worried about his calf injury.
“Very minor. Just precautionary stuff,' said Downs, as quoted by The Athletic's James Boyd.
It remains unclear when he will return to action, but he will likely be ready by Week 1 against the Baltimore Ravens.
He will continue to play a key role for the Colts, even with the arrival of wide receiver Keenan Allen, whom the team signed to a one-year, $3.2 million contract just a few days ago.
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Downs expressed confidence that coach Shane Steichen will find ample touches for him and Allen, along with Alec Pierce, tight end Tyler Warren, and running back Jonathan Taylor.
“Coach's gonna handle it how he wants to handle it. So, that's his responsibility,” said the former North Carolina standout.
Downs, who was drafted by the Colts in the third round in 2023, had a promising stint in his second year, but he saw his numbers dip last season to career-lows of 58 receptions and 566 receiving yards. He also had four touchdowns.
He did not see action in their preseason meetings against the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons.