Josh Downs Was Colts' 'Safety Blanket' in 2025

The Indianapolis Colts will be relying on fourth-year wide receiver Josh Downs to take the next step in his development as the offense begins its first season without former top pass-catcher Michael Pittman Jr.

Downs has been a reliable pass-catcher for the Colts out of the slot since 2023, but he's expected to play more on the outside this year, with increased usage.

“Yeah, I think obviously losing Pitt, I think Downs, his role will step up a little bit more – more targets for him," Colts head coach Shane Steichen said this offseason. "He's a (heck) of a player. We've played him in the slot a long time. Get him some reps on the outside as well in the spring and see where that goes. But I'm excited about Josh and his development since he's been here.”

More snaps and targets for Downs mean more opportunities to extend drives. Downs has a skill set and mental acumen that allow him to get open quickly, which has endeared him to his veteran quarterbacks in tough situations.

Pro Football Focus' Mason Cameron recently pulled the site's data to identify "the most-targeted pass-catchers in the NFL when opposing defenses generated pressure."

Downs was the league's sixth-highest-rated player.

"Although Downs isn’t as highly regarded as some of his teammates, the third-year receiver is well deserving of praise for the Colts’ hot start to 2025," Cameron said. "Downs’ chemistry with Daniel Jones was especially evident when the pressure was mounting. His 21.7% target rate led the team by more than 6%, with the pair also combining for a team-leading 14 first downs when pressured."

While Steichen has acknowledged that Downs will play more on the outside in 2026, Downs is being a little coy.

"We'll see. I mean, that's up to Shane and Jim Bob (Cooter) and Reggie (Wayne)," Downs answered when asked. "But who knows? Pitt left, AD (Mitchell) left. So who knows?

Downs does have extensive experience playing both inside and out, dating back to high school, although he's mostly been a slot receiver.

In his three seasons in the NFL, Downs has 1,530 snaps in the slot, 438 out wide, and 17 from the backfield. It was more skewed at North Carolina, as Downs had 1,472 snaps in the slot, 151 outside, and 49 in the backfield.

"Yeah, I played outside receiver, inside receiver, moved around. I've always been the type of guy to move around a lot in the offense," Downs said about his versatility in college at UNC.

"So, I did a lot at UNC, did a lot in high school. So, I'm excited to see what happens."