The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2026 season with several changes on offense, creating an opportunity for wide receiver Josh Downs to take on a larger role. Following Michael Pittman’s departure and Alec Pierce’s ongoing recovery from ankle surgery, Downs is expected to become one of quarterback Daniel Jones’ primary receiving options.
Downs has been one of the Colts’ most consistent pass catchers since arriving in 2023, recording between 58 and 72 receptions in each of his first three NFL seasons. Although his production dipped to 566 receiving yards in 2025, the Colts have repeatedly emphasized that they expect a much bigger role for him this season.
That expectation has become one of the biggest storylines of training camp. According to ESPN reporter Stephen Holder, Downs has been among the standout performers during camp as Indianapolis prepares for a season in which the fourth-year receiver could become the focal point of the passing attack.
Josh Downs Says He Is Ready For Bigger Indianapolis Colts Role
ESPN’s Stephen Holder wrote that Josh Downs believes the patience he showed last season has prepared him for a larger 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.”
Holder wrote that Indianapolis is making a deliberate effort to feature Downs more prominently in 2026. General manager Chris Ballard praised the receiver earlier this offseason, saying, “I’m a big Josh Downs fan.”
Head coach Shane Steichen also made his expectations clear.
“There’s guys that have got to step up, and Downs is going to be one of those guys,” Steichen said.
Downs believes he is prepared for that responsibility.
“I’m trying to show I’m a really good receiver,” he said.
Later, discussing his contract year, Downs added, “I feel like I’m just as good as some of the best guys in the league and I’m excited for more opportunities.”
Holder also noted that Downs is expected to line up more frequently outside after spending most of his career in the slot. Steichen confirmed that plan by saying, “He’s a guy that can play inside and outside now for us, and his role is going to improve this season.”
As the Colts prepare to expand Downs’ responsibilities, analysts also believe that how he is deployed could determine just how big of a leap he makes this season.
Indianapolis Colts Expected To Expand Josh Downs’ Usage Across The Formation
Jonathan Eig of “FanSided” wrote that Indianapolis should increase Downs’ workload while Pierce continues recovering and after Pittman’s departure left more targets available.
Eig argued that Downs should continue to play primarily in the slot but spend more time on the perimeter to diversify his route tree and overall impact. He compared Downs’ potential deployment to Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, noting that a more balanced alignment could create additional opportunities without changing Downs’ strengths.
ESPN’s Ben Solak echoed that view, predicting Downs’ slot usage could decline as Steichen experiments with bunch formations and outside alignments to create cleaner releases.
Stephen Holder said Colts general manager Chris Ballard believes Downs has the talent to make a much bigger impact if he receives more opportunities in the offense. Ballard said the team has always been confident in Downs’ abilities and expects an expanded role to bring out more of the playmaking qualities he has already shown in previous seasons.
Pro Football Focus analyst Gordon McGuinness also identified Downs as Indianapolis’ breakout candidate for 2026. McGuinness pointed to Michael Pittman’s departure, Downs’ consistent production during his first three seasons, and his reliable hands as reasons he is positioned for a larger offensive role.
With training camp continuing, Downs appears set to receive the opportunity he has been waiting for. Whether through increased targets, more snaps on the outside, or an expanded route tree, the Colts are counting on the 24-year-old receiver to become one of the central pieces of their offense in 2026.
Colts Reveal Expanded Josh Downs Plan for 2026 Season