Josh Downs

Downs' target share slid from 25% to 12% over Indianapolis's final four 2025 games, and a run-heavy offense fronted by Jonathan Taylor plus a big-bodied receiving threat in Tyler Warren could still cap his target ceiling even with more outside alignment in 2026.

Downs dealt with minor groin and calf soreness during 2026 training camp, echoing a 2024 ankle injury and a 2025 personal-matter absence; none were serious or cost him games, but the recurrence of small niggles is worth monitoring as he takes on more contact-heavy outside snaps.

GM Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen have both publicly committed to expanding Downs' 2026 role and using him outside more often rather than almost exclusively in the slot, a shift accelerated by Michael Pittman's free-agency departure that clears a significant chunk of target competition.

Indianapolis added only a seventh-round flier (Deion Burks) at wide receiver in the 2026 draft, leaving Downs' path to a featured role unthreatened by incoming rookie competition.