Josh Downs suffered a high ankle sprain during Colts 7 on 7 practice.
Downs is expected to be out for roughly a month. These injuries can be tricky to predict, so his timeframe isn’t exact, and you can expect him to not be 100% if he does try and push to play as soon as possible. The Colts will now continue training for the regular season without their projected number two target earner behind Michael Pittman.
Fantasy managers can expect Downs’ ADP to drop, and for rookie Adonai Mitchell to be propelled into a more prominent role than expected if Downs were healthy. The Colts have rookie Anthony Gould listed as the backup slot receiver behind Downs, who immediately stepped up in practice and earned the praise of Head Coach Shane Steichen afterwards. Keep an eye on Gould as a potential deep sleeper in the early part of the season while Downs recovers. The Colts still project to have a fantasy friendly offense, and this news makes all their other options slightly more attractive for 2024.
Ashton Dulin, who may also gain more reps with Downs sidelined, is another deep sleeper to consider.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin (knee) ...
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Ashton Dulin (knee) did ...
The Indianapolis Colts are re-signing wide receiver Ashton ...
Ashton Dulin is nearing full recovery after a 2023 ACL tear during training camp.
Positive News on the recovery of Ashton Dulin’s recovery was posted on his Instagram last night. Dulin has been a dark horse breakout candidate and fan favorite for the Indianapolis Colts since making a splash as an undrafted free agent in 2019. His 4.4 speed and big bodied frame at 6’2″ 215lbs combined with playmaking ability on special teams led him to earn second team all-pro honors as a special teams contributor in 2021.
After being injured during training camp last August and not being on the field at all during this year’s OTAs or mandatory mini camp, the video shows that he has progressed to non-contact drills and cutting on grass. Dulin’s dazzling athletic profile may make him worth a stash in deeper dynasty leagues and a last round pick of best ball formats, but he remains off the radar for redraft leagues because of the Colts crowded wr room.
