The Colts have dropped each of their first two games of the season, but they will likely get some help in Week 3 since Josh Downs ($4,700) said he plans to play vs. the Bears.
Downs has been sidelined by a high ankle sprain suffered on Aug. 7. He was reportedly very close to playing last week, but the team opted to play it safe and give him an extra week to recover. The third-round pick from 2023 resumed full practices so he should be near a full workload if he does make his season debut in Week 3.
In his rookie year last year, Downs hauled in 68 catches on 98 targets as primarily a possession receiver. He finished with 771 yards and two touchdowns. Downs had 15 catches and 198 yards in the four games that he played with Anthony Richardson ($6,700) as the starter.
Downs is expected to be the second receiver in the Colts’ passing attack behind Michael Pittman Jr. ($6,100), and he could take opportunities away from Alec Pierce ($4,800), Ashton Dulin ($3,200) and rookie Adonai Mitchell ($4,000).
This week, the Colts are 1.5-point favorites as they host the Bears and Downs is at +300 to score a touchdown. However, the passing game as a whole is in a tricky matchup against the Bears, who rank 11th in fantasy points allowed to opposing WR.
In his first game back, I don’t view Downs as a “must-start” in most formats until he proves that he’s going to get enough volume in the Indy offense. In the first two games of the season, Richardson has only averaged 26.5 passing attempts for 208 passing yards, so this isn’t exactly a high-powered offense at this point.
You could play Downs in his season debut if you’re desperate at the position since he should resume his role as a possession option with plenty of volume when he’s up to full speed. However, many available options may have a higher ceiling in already established roles. I’d hold Downs as a “wait-and-see” for deep formats at this point, but you could start him if you’re in a pinch.
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