With Josh Downs experiencing an unfortunate injury during practice, the Colts’ offense will need to adjust to fill the gap.
The Indianapolis Colts are preparing for a season filled with both talent and high expectations. However, during Wednesday’s practice, second-year receiver Josh Downs sustained an injury during a 7-on-7 drill. Third-year safety Nick Cross, who was covering in the drill, was involved in the incident. When asked about the situation, Cross commented, “We’re playing football… I mean, we’re competing. It’s unfortunate, and I got to go see what’s up with him when I go inside.”
These comments have left some puzzled, as Cross seems indifferent about the injury. It’s worth noting that tackling has not been part of the 7-on-7 drills or any training camp drills so far. Despite the unfortunate nature of the injury, it could have been worse. Reports indicate that Downs has suffered a high ankle sprain and is expected to be out for 4-6 weeks, which could potentially keep him from participating in the Colts’ season opener at home against the Houston Texans.
How Josh Downs’ Injury Affects the Colts Offense
Josh Downs’ effectiveness as a pass catcher last season was largely due to his explosive play and efficiency as a slot receiver. His injury will lead to a significant loss of skill and talent for the Colts. Last season, Downs recorded 771 yards on 68 receptions, with 30 first downs and two touchdowns. Notably, he gained 371 yards after the catch, ranking 19th among wide receivers. Against zone coverage, he won 59.6% of the time, while he won 47.2% of the time against man coverage. Additionally, Downs succeeded in 58.3% of contested catch situations, where he was closely guarded. Clearly, his absence will create a challenging void for the Colts to fill.
Moreover, Downs was positioned as the Colts’ number two receiver behind Michael Pittman Jr. With his injury, the competition for the number three spot between Adonai Mitchell and Alec Pierce becomes even more crucial. Both players, who were vying for that role, now have a chance to step up and potentially secure a more prominent position until Downs returns.
Explosion on the Outside
With Josh Downs out, the Colts will not directly replace him with Adonai Mitchell or Alec Pierce, as Downs’ role as a slot receiver is distinct. Instead, Mitchell and Pierce will serve as alternative options for quarterback Anthony Richardson. The slot position is highly versatile, utilizing both the middle of the field for short, underneath passes and deeper routes over the top. To fill the gap left by Downs, the Colts might shift their focus to utilizing the outside more effectively.
Michael Pittman Jr. remains the team’s primary receiver and will continue to draw significant defensive attention. This should create more opportunities for Pierce and Mitchell on the outside. Given that Anthony Richardson favors deep throws, fans can expect to see an increase in vertical routes and deep shots, potentially giving defenses additional challenges to manage.
Opportunity for Ashton Dulin
With Josh Downs injured, a potential opportunity arises for six-year veteran slot receiver Ashton Dulin. Although Dulin missed the entire 2023 season due to an ACL injury, he is aiming to return to form in 2024. Despite having only three career starts, Dulin brings a wealth of on-field experience and could serve as a valuable depth option. Over his four seasons, Dulin has accumulated 33 receptions for 450 yards and three touchdowns, and has also contributed 17 kick returns with an average of 25.8 yards per return.
While Dulin may not match the caliber of slot receiver that Josh Downs represents, his experience and versatility could make him a viable candidate to step up in Downs’ absence. His background as both a slot receiver and kick returner adds depth to his role and could help the team maintain effectiveness in the passing game and special teams.
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