The Indianapolis Colts are off to a promising 2-0 start, fueled by an efficient offense and an opportunistic defense. However, an injury to wide receiver Josh Downs could complicate their momentum heading into Sunday’s divisional clash with the Tennessee Titans.
What’s the Latest Injury Update on Colts WR Josh Downs?
According to the team’s official injury report, Downs did not participate in Wednesday’s practice because of an ankle injury, which made his status uncertain for Sunday’s matchup against the Titans.
However, he was not on the injury report on Friday and is expected to play in Week 3 against the Titans.
The third-year wideout is coming off a six-catch performance against the Denver Broncos in Week 2 and has served as a reliable target for quarterback Daniel Jones. So far this season, he has caught eight of 11 targets for 63 yards.
While his route share and snap count have been modest compared with last season, his target rate remains high, with a team-leading eight targets in the last-second win over the Broncos. He has been particularly effective on third downs, converting five of his eight catches into first downs and helping sustain drives in key moments.
Downs has quietly built a strong foundation in his first two-plus seasons with the Colts, emerging as a reliable possession receiver and occasional big-play threat. Over 33 career games, he has recorded 148 receptions on 216 targets for 1,637 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 11.1 yards per catch.
Josh Downs motions, sells the crossing route, and whips back outside to convert on 3rd down. Riley Moss is trying to hurry and navigate bodies and then Downs returns right back from where they came. pic.twitter.com/InQxAkRMg5
— Nate Tice (@Nate_Tice) September 17, 2025
If the wideout cannot suit up against Tennessee, the Colts will likely turn to Adonai Mitchell and Ashton Dulin to fill the void. Both receivers could see an increase in playing time, but many of Downs’ opportunities would likely shift toward veterans Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce.
Tyler Warren shares the joy he’s finding in the Colts offense:
“It’s fun to have these types of players im playing with. Being able to spread the ball around like we have and letting playmakers make plays”
pic.twitter.com/WM8q0nOriM— SleeperColts (@SleeperColts) September 17, 2025
Additionally, tight end Tyler Warren would be in line for a significant workload, although he is also dealing with an injury. Warren was limited in practice throughout the week, raising questions about his availability for Sunday’s game. The rookie has been a breakout performer through two weeks, leading the Colts in receptions (11) and receiving yards (155) while logging a 93% snap share.
The Colts have listed Warren as questionable for Week 3, while Downs is now expected to play a significant role on offense.
