Many fans weren’t expecting the Indianapolis Colts, with Daniel Jones as their quarterback, to start the season 2-0. But after excellent performances on both sides of the football, the Colts seem to have a lot of promise. However, their Week 3 clash against the Tennessee Titans serves as a major litmus test, with many drawing comparisons to the 2024 New Orleans Saints.
After they struggled to kick into fifth gear following an explosive start to two weeks, it remains to be seen if Indianapolis will follow a similar trajectory. Going against the Titans, it should potentially be an easy outing for the Colts. However, with the status of wide receiver Josh Downs in question for the game, it could allow first overall pick Cam Ward to register the first win of his career.
Will Josh Downs Play Against the Tennessee Titans?
A third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Downs has been a very productive receiver in Indianapolis, despite the questionable play from its quarterback position. With over 1,500 receiving yards through two seasons, he has become a genuine contributor to the Colts’ offense.
However, his touches have dramatically reduced this year under a more free-flowing offense featuring Michael Pittman, Alec Pierce, and Tyler Warren. An extremely quiet first game was followed by a 51-yard effort in Week 2.
However, an ankle injury forced him to sit out of practice on Thursday. As a result, it immediately put his status for Sunday in jeopardy. Thankfully for Indianapolis, he was able to return to the field on Thursday’s practice as a full participant.
That has assuaged most of the doubts about his status against the Titans. Soon after, the organization’s official injury report did not have Downs’ name on it, clearing the air around his availability come Sunday.
Colts WR Josh Downs is off the injury report; TE Tyler Warren is listed as questionable. pic.twitter.com/7ho2TUO3P3
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 19, 2025
However, with their standout rookie tight end remaining questionable with a toe issue, the offense might need to lean more heavily on the wide receivers. That could signify additional touches for Downs and allow him to get back on track.
Read More: Josh Downs Injury Update: What’s the Latest on the Colts WR’s Status, and When Will He Return?
If they can continue their winning ways and show that the offense through two weeks isn’t a fluke, the Colts could shed of some of the Saints chatter very quickly. However, proving their legitimacy is going to require a resurgent performance from Downs.
Otherwise, losing to Tennessee with a rookie quarterback would be the worst way to confirm the worst suspicions against them.
