Colts’ Josh Downs not concerned with lingering knee injury

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has been playing through a lingering knee injury but isn’t concerned about the long-term issues coming out of the team’s bye week.

While Downs has been on the injury report for the last two weeks, the knee injury stems from the spring workouts when the rookie missed time at OTAs immediately after being selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft.

According to Nate Atkins of the Indianapolis Star, the injury hasn’t fully healed, and Downs has been playing through the flare-ups for the entire season.

“It’s not anything alarming that I’m going through. Just me having different nicks and knacks in my knee this season was going to happen because of that injury, but it is what it is,” Downs said via IndyStar.

Downs had a big flare-up during practicing in Week 9 ahead of the game against the New Orleans Saints. He wound up being active, but caught just one pass for 10 yards before exiting early due to the injury.

Despite not practicing all week and then hopping on a plane to Germany, Downs was active again in Week 10 against the New England Patriots. The Colts were cautious in his usage, saving him for some crucial plays.

Even with the knee injury and limited role, Downs still came through in the clutch. He only had two receptions but it included a 28-yard catch during a scramble on third down late in the fourth quarter to help seal the win for the Colts.

At this point in the season, most players are dealing with injuries in some way. Downs has proven to be extremely tough and the fact that he’s been working through this injury makes his rookie season even more impressive.

Hopefully the bye week will help heal the knee with some extra rest because the Colts find themselves right in the middle of the playoff hunt when they come out of the Week 11 bye.