Colts News
[the_ad id=”105842″]Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs is being utilized across multiple positions on the field, according to offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter.
Cooter said Downs has demonstrated the ability to line up both on the outside and in the slot. The versatility provides quarterback Daniel Jones with additional options in the passing attack. Through four games this season, Downs has recorded 14 receptions for 121 yards on 19 targets. He has not scored a touchdown and has exceeded 50 receiving yards just once, catching six passes for 51 yards in Week 2 against Denver.
The third-year receiver out of North Carolina has seen his role vary week to week. He caught six passes on eight targets against the Broncos but was held to just two receptions in both the Week 1 win over Miami and the Week 3 victory at Tennessee. In Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Rams, Downs finished with four catches for 24 yards on five targets.
Downs currently sits behind Michael Pittman Jr. on the depth chart. He also competes for targets with rookie tight end Tyler Warren, who has emerged as a frequent option in the intermediate passing game. Wide receivers Alec Pierce and Adonai Mitchell factor into the rotation as well.
The Colts enter Week 5 with a 3-1 record following their loss to the Rams. Indianapolis opened the season with three consecutive wins, including a 33-8 victory over Miami, a 29-28 win against Denver, and a 41-20 road victory over Tennessee. The team scored on its first 10 possessions of the season and totaled 103 points through three games, both franchise records to start a season.
Jones has completed 67 of 97 passes for 858 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions through four games. He has also rushed for three scores. The former Giants quarterback won the starting job over Anthony Richardson during training camp and has guided the Colts to their first 3-0 start since 2009.
Downs was selected by Indianapolis in the third round of the 2023 draft. He caught 68 passes for 771 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie, setting a franchise record for receptions by a first-year player. Last season, he recorded 72 catches for 803 yards and five touchdowns in his second year.
The Colts host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The Raiders enter the matchup with a 1-3 record after losing to the Chicago Bears in Week 4.
Cooter’s comments suggest the coaching staff may look to expand Downs’ involvement in the offense. Whether that translates to increased production remains to be seen. For now, Downs continues working across the formation while searching for his first touchdown of the season.
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