The expectation is that Indianapolis Colts’ wide receiver Josh Downs will see more opportunities come his way this season. But how he’s utilized within Shane Steichen’s offense could differ as well.
Downs has primarily lined up in the slot during his first three NFL seasons, but with the uncertainty around the WR3 role for the Colts and the team’s usage of two-tight-end sets, that sets the stage for Downs to see more snaps lined up outside in 2026.
“I’d wager we see Downs’ slot rate fall from near league leading to the realm of Ladd McConkey (62.9%) or Wan’Dale Robinson (63.9%), as Steichen experiments with more bunch and stack sets to get Downs free releases off the line scrimmage from outside alignments,” wrote ESPN’s Ben Solak.
Solak added that in Downs’ career, he’s never had an average air yard per target above 8.0, but this year he expects the Colts’ wide receiver to get closer to the 9.0 mark.
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Earlier this offseason, Steichen acknowledged that getting Downs more reps outside during OTAs and training camp was going to be a priority. The team believes that’s a role he can fill.
And with more snaps outside, that means additional ways for Downs to impact the game, specifically running more intermediate and downfield routes.
No one player on the Colts roster is tasked with replacing Michael Pittman’s production this season, but Downs, along with Alec Pierce and Tyler Warren, will shoulder that workload. For Downs, that not only means more targets, but the chance to showcase a more well-rounded skill set.
“I think getting lost in this a little bit is … Josh Downs,” GM Chris Ballard said earlier this offseason, via ESPN’s Stephen Holder. “I think Josh Downs is freaking good. I do. I’ve always thought he’s good. I think allowing him some more opportunities, we’re going to see some of the special stuff you’ve seen in the past, but more.”
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This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: How Josh Downs’ role in Colts’ offense could change in 2026
