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By Cameron Kiszla
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The Indianapolis Colts are looking for redemption in 2026 after falling apart in the back half of last season, but they'll need some new receivers to step up to do so.
Fortunately, one young wideout is ready to ascend.
It's Time For Josh Downs to Make An Impact
Receiver Josh Downs is entering his fourth NFL season, though he took a step back in 2025.
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Per Stephen Holder of ESPN, there are multiple reason for that.
"Myriad factors impacted Downs' usage last season, when he had a career-low 566 yards on 58 receptions: The emergence of rookie tight end Tyler Warren, the role of now-departed receiver Michael Pittman Jr., and the downfield feats of Alec Pierce, who led the NFL in yards per catch, all played a role," Holder explained.
But as Holder mentioned, Pittman is now in Pittsburgh, creating an opportunity for Downs.
Head coach Shane Steichen said as much at training camp on Thursday.
“A guy that can play inside and outside now for us, and his role is going to improve this season," he said, as detailed by Andrew Aziz of Stampede Blue.
That role, Aziz explained, will involve him likely having more passes thrown his way.
"He may not be the primary read on every concept, and he does not have to be used the same way Pierce is, but Downs is the type of receiver who can end up with the most targets in a lot of games simply because of how he wins," he wrote. "He separates quickly, works well underneath and intermediate, and gives the quarterback answers on the downs that usually decide drives."
Downs told Holder of ESPN he's ready to meet that opportunity.
"Last year we had a kind of a packed room with a lot of good receivers in there," Downs said. "... But it teaches you patience, teaches you to just be grateful for what you get. And I just keep working. I was still doing all the stuff I was doing the years before. Just got to just keep going, keep your head down and stay on the grind."
Sounds like that hard work is paying off for Downs. All that remains is putting it together come this fall.
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