The return of Josh Downs would give the Colts a huge boost

Josh Downs is becoming one of Anthony Richardson’s favorite receivers. Downs is also proving to be one of the playmakers the Colts so desperately need. Alec Pierce does a good job on the long ball, Michael Pittman Jr. may still be the main character, but Downs emerges as the guy who can get open and make a play when you need to move the sticks or get some energy back into the offense. The Indianapolis Colts got some extremely welcome news on Thursday’s injury report with Downs listed as a full participant.

Downs has struggled to stay healthy this season. After being taken out by his own teammate in training camp, missing the first two games of the season was a huge disappointment. You cannot tell me that his absence was not felt. With a two point loss to Houston and that disaster of a game against the Packers, I fully believe that Downs would have had a positive impact that could have given either game. After being injured in the loss to the Lions, Downs went on to miss the contest against the Patriots. Fortunately, the Colts had their bye in there, but they’ll need everything they can get against the Broncos.

The game on Sunday promises to be huge. The season potentially ends hugely if the Colts can’t find a way to win in Denver. Having Downs on the field is a big boost. It creates more depth in the receiver corp. and puts another playmaker on the field. Time and time again I have seen Downs catch a ball short of the first down marker, spin/shift and jump over the line. His ability to move the sticks, get open and provide reliable hands is invaluable to this offense. We saw drops and a lack of play, which made against the Patriots almost doom the Colts. Downs fills that gap. Having him at full speed on Sunday will go a long way.

Josh Downs does not guarantee a win. He’s also not a superstar receiver at this point. Teams may not be kept up at night thinking about him, but they certainly have to account for him. He can make a play and he can burn you deep. Ideally, he’ll be the X-factor against the Broncos and allow the Colts to continue their march to the postseason. Whether the Colts end up winning or not, it certainly won’t hurt to have Downs out there.