Josh Downs

Josh Downs posted the No. 2-highest PFF receiving grade versus man coverage in 2022, as he tormented ACC defensive backs with his savant route running from the slot. The slippery-hipped wide receiver earned a 26% dominator rating for his efforts, catching 94 balls (8.5 per game) for 1,029 receiving yards and a whopping 11 touchdowns in his final year as a Tarheel. But one could argue that his junior year wasn't even his best showing. As a sophomore thrust into the starting lineup for the first time, Downs delivered massively with future Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell under center. He earned a 35% dominator rating as the team's true No. 1 Dyami Brown off to the NFL. Downs caught 101 passes for 1,335 yards and 8 TDs. Worth noting that Downs had previously stepped up in Brown's absence in North Carolina's 2020 Bowl Game, catching four balls for 91 yards and two receiving TDs as a 19-year-old freshman. The 171-pound and 5-foot-9 wide receiver is going to be pigeonholed as a "slot-only" wide receiver at the next level with little experience playing outside, but that hardly means he won't produce. Per Sports Info Solutions, no WR in the class ran more unique routes than Downs - a credit to his route-running prowess.

Indianapolis Colts rookie WR Josh Downs is dealing with a "little bit of a knee issue," as reported by George Bremer of The Herald Bulletin. Head coach Shane Steichen says it isn't major.

Fantasy Impact

Downs is reportedly walking on the sideline without any support and the injury isn't expected to be a worry for the regular season. Downs was drafted in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft after a productive season at North Carolina where he posted 1,029 yards and 11 TDs. When healthy, Downs can provide a middle-of-field option for rookie QB Anthony Richardson, complementing the skills of Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce.