The Indianapolis Colts will be without their promising second-year wide receiver Josh Downs for their Week 1 game against the Houston Texans. Downs has been sidelined since suffering a high ankle sprain in early August and missed every practice this week.
The only player the Colts are ruling out is Josh Downs
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) September 6, 2024
His absence comes after a solid rookie season where he posted 68 receptions for 771 yards and two touchdowns, despite playing much of the year with backup quarterback Gardner Minshew. Although Downs will begin his sophomore season on the sidelines, there is optimism as he was spotted doing some individual drills during Friday’s practice, suggesting he could return soon.
#Colts WR Josh Downs (ankle) isn’t practicing, but he’s doing individual movement drills off to the side.
I highly doubt he plays this week with no practices under his belt. pic.twitter.com/zRw0vb5nEw
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) September 6, 2024
In addition to Downs, the Colts also listed kicker Matt Gay as questionable for Week 1. Gay underwent surgery for a hernia following the team’s preseason finale against the Cincinnati Bengals and missed all practices this week. If Gay is unable to play, the Colts will likely elevate Spencer Shrader from the practice squad to handle kicking duties on Sunday.
The final practice report for #HOUvsIND: pic.twitter.com/WrbJgUTdKg
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) September 6, 2024
