JoshDowns

News: 1 day agoHead coach Shane Steichen said Sunday that Downs (groin) could potentially be available for Tuesday's joint practice with the Patriots, Stephen Holder of ESPN.com reports.

Spin: Downs was held out of Saturday's practice due to a groin injury, but the positive news is that he is considered day-to-day. Participating in Tuesday's joint practice would be a step in the right direction for the fourth-year wideout, though he may be held out of Thursday's preseason opener against New England.

ESPN Fantasy Projection: Downs has settled in as a serviceable slot receiver, which has helped him to finish in the 35-to-45 range among WRs in total fantasy points in each of his three NFL seasons. Downs peaked with a 72-803-5 receiving line in 2024, but took a step back in a crowded offense last season, and failed to deliver a single fantasy week better than 15th at the position. The undersized Downs isn't an option near the goal line, as he hasn't cleared five touchdowns or three end zone targets in a single season. The 25-year-old has a path to a larger role in 2026 with Michael Pittman Jr. gone, leaving Alec Pierce and Tyler Warren as his primary target competition. Downs is a sleeper for flex production in PPR formats.