Stampede Blue
The Colts got some positive news on the injury report regarding Sunday’s contest.
Josh Downs is turning into one of Anthony Richardson's favorite receivers. Downs is also proving to be one of the playmakers that the Colts so desperately need. Alec Pierce does a great job on the long ball, Michael Pittman Jr. may still be the main guy, but Downs is emerging as the guy who can get open and make a play when you need to move the sticks or get some energy back into the offense. The Indianapolis Colts got some extremely welcome news on Thursday’s injury report with Downs listed as a full participant.
Downs has struggled to stay healthy this season. After being taken out by his own teammate in training camp, missing the first two games of the season was a huge disappointment. You can’t tell me his absence wasn’t felt. With a two-point loss to Houston and that disaster of a game against the Packers, I fully believe Downs would have had a positive impact that could have swung either game. After being injured in the loss against the Lions, Downs proceeded to miss the contest against the Patriots. Luckily, the Colts had their bye in there, but they need everything they can get against the Broncos.
The game on Sunday is setting up to be huge. Potentially season ending huge if the Colts can’t find a way to win in Denver. Having Downs on the field is a major boost. It creates more depth in the receiver corp. and puts another playmaker on the field. I have seen time and time again, Downs catching a ball short of the first down marker, spinning/shifting, and leaping over the line. His ability to move the sticks, get open, and provide reliable hands is invaluable for this offense. We saw drops and a lack of play making against the Patriots almost doom the Colts. Downs fills that gap. Having him as a full go on Sunday will go a long way.
Josh Downs doesn’t guarantee a win. He isn’t a superstar receiver at this point either. Teams may not be kept up at night thinking about him, but they certainly have to account for him. He can make a play, and he can burn you deep. Ideally, he will be the X-factor against the Broncos and allow the Colts to continue their march to the postseason. Whether the Colts ultimately win or not, having Downs out there certainly won’t hurt.
