JoshDowns

News: 1 day agoColts head coach Shane Steichen said Friday that Downs will perform his usual role Sunday against Jacksonville in spite of the fact that he requested a trade this week, Stephen Holder of ESPN.com reports.

Spin: It's been a tumultuous week for the Colts, who traded away two stalwarts in left guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Downs requested a trade shortly thereafter, but the team has yet to meet that request. Indianapolis has reportedly fielded trade offers for Downs, but despite the lingering uncertainty of his future with the team, there doesn't appear to be a desire to hold him out Sunday or reduce his role. Alec Pierce (heel) is remaining on IR for at least another week, so Downs is set to work as one of QB Daniel Jones' top targets against the Jaguars.

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 slightly larger role in 2026 with Michael Pittman Jr. gone, leaving Alec Pierce, Tyler Warren and Keenan Allen as his primary target competition. Downs is a sleeper for flex production in PPR formats.