Josh Downs: Everything you need to know

Downs has an opportunity to earn more targets in 2026, as Teresa Varley of the Steelers' official site reports Friday that the Colts have officially traded Michael Pittman to Pittsburgh. Downs has averaged a respectable 97.7 targets across his first three NFL regular seasons, but he could get even more opportunities after the departure of Pittman, who drew at least 111 targets in each of his last five campaigns with the Colts. The Colts re-signed wide receiver Alec Pierce and quarterback Daniel Jones (Achilles), keeping intact the rest of a passing game in which Downs finished fourth on the team with 566 receiving yards in 2025, trailing Pierce (1,003), rookie tight end Tyler Warren (817) and Pittman (784).

Downs caught all four of his targets for 61 yards in Sunday's 38-30 loss to Houston. Downs was able to secure multiple passes for the seventh straight game, while his 61 receiving yards were his second-highest total over that stretch. The wide receiver has now completed his third campaign in Indianapolis having caught 58 of 88 targets for 566 yards and four touchdowns while adding one carry for three yards and 68 yards on punt returns over 16 regular-season contests. Downs will enter the offseason on the final year of his rookie contract.

Downs recorded two receptions on five targets for 34 yards in Sunday's 23-17 loss to the Jaguars. Downs tied for second on the team in targets, though Philip Rivers continued to spread opportunity evenly among his pass catchers. While he didn't convert his targets into receptions efficiently, Downs did manage to turn in long catches of 18 and 16 yards. He now has at least five targets in six consecutive games, though target allocation could change in Week 18 against the Texans if the Colts turn to Riley Leonard at quarterback now that they have officially been eliminated from playoff contention.