Topic overview
In brief
- Josh Downs is entering his fourth NFL season with the Indianapolis Colts.
- The departure of Michael Pittman Jr. has created an opportunity for Downs to take on a larger role.
- Head coach Shane Steichen believes Downs will have more targets this season, indicating a potential breakout year.
Summary
In 2026, the Indianapolis Colts are aiming for redemption after a disappointing end to the previous season. The team is looking to revamp its receiving corps, and one player poised to step up is Josh Downs. Entering his fourth NFL season, Downs experienced a setback in 2025, recording a career-low of 566 yards on 58 receptions. Several factors contributed to this decline, including the emergence of rookie tight end Tyler Warren and the departure of receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who has since joined the Pittsburgh Steelers. With Pittman gone, Downs now has a significant opportunity to increase his contributions to the team.
Head coach Shane Steichen has acknowledged Downs' potential, indicating that his role will expand this season. During training camp, Steichen noted that Downs is versatile enough to play both inside and outside, which will likely lead to more targets coming his way. Analysts believe that while Downs may not always be the primary target, his ability to separate quickly and work effectively in the intermediate range will make him a valuable asset in crucial game situations. This shift in dynamics within the receiving group could allow Downs to emerge as a key player for the Colts.