Is Josh Downs playing today? Latest on Colts WR's status and fantasy outlook for Week 7
The 3-3 Indianapolis Colts will finally get Anthony Richardson back as they finalize their preparations for Week 7, where they will face the Miami Dolphins. Incidentally, the Dolphins got some good news of their own this week, with QB1 Tua Tagovailoa set to return to practice in time for Week 8.
Despite having Richardson back from injury, the Colts have a few concerns this week. However, wide receiver Josh Downs' availability is not expected to be one of them.
Is Josh Downs playing today vs. the Dolphins?
NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport reported late on Saturday night that Downs is expected to get the green light to suit up against the Dolphins this afternoon.
Downs missed the first two games of the season with an ankle sprain but was right back on the field in Week 3. However, Downs suffered a toe injury in Week 5 and was a DNP-DNP-FP heading into Week 6's matchup with the Tennessee Titans.
This week, Downs was a DNP on Wednesday but managed to participate in some capacity on Thursday and Friday.
Josh Downs' fantasy outlook for Week 7
Last week was a pretty eventful one for Downs, who had seven catches on nine targets for 66 yards and a touchdown. Backup quarterback Joe Flacco has been effusive in his praise of Downs, who has quietly been one of the more impressive Colts wide receivers despite having little consistency at the quarterback position.
The problem this week is that Richardson is back, which doesn't bode well for Downs' fantasy outlook. With Flacco under center, you could expect Downs to get a little more involved in the offense on the regular. With Richardson, it's a roll of the dice.
And when you consider the fact that this Dolphins defense has allowed just three passing touchdowns all season, Downs' outlook dips even more.
If he had Flacco under center against Miami, he'd be a decent shout at a flex option, but the variance is so high with Richardson that we're just not comfortable banking on Downs this week.
Sportskeeda's Start/Sit Optimizer has Downs registering a quiet 9.6 points this afternoon.
Also read: Trey Sermon or Tyler Goodson: Week 7 Fantasy outlook and projections for Colts RBs