Over the previous couple of years, the Colts have constructed a younger and proficient large receiver room which incorporates the likes of Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Alec Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell.
Nevertheless, Indianapolis’ budding group took a success throughout Wednesday’s apply when Downs suffered an ankle injury after security Nick Cross took him to the bottom throughout 7-on-7 drills.
The severity of Downs’ damage is unknown, as head coach Shane Steichen mentioned he must be evaluated, however the Colts are hoping for the most effective, as he was placing collectively a robust camp after impressing as a rookie.
The No. 79 general choose within the 2023 NFL Draft registered 68 catches for 771 yards and two touchdowns final season.
Steichen understands that each participant is competing for a spot on the 53-man roster however reiterated that everybody have to be smarter when going through pleasant fireplace.
“We have to be good,” Steichen said, by way of Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan. “We’re competing like loopy, however we have got to remain off the bottom and might’t go down.”
Cross additionally spoke to the media after apply. He felt unhealthy about injuring Downs however famous he was merely competing.
“I imply, we’re enjoying soccer,” Cross said, by way of James Boyd of The Athletic. “We’re competing. Josh is my man. I really like that boy to dying … We’re right here to play soccer on the finish of the day.”
Whereas Downs will get evaluated and probably misses time, his absence will give Pierce and Mitchell extra alternatives to showcase why they every needs to be the No. 3 choice within the cross assault.
In Indianapolis’ first depth chart, the 2 are listed as co-starters at one of many three receiver positions, with the opposite starters, in fact, being Pittman Jr. and Downs.
Pierce, a second-round choose in 2022, has disenchanted with simply 73 catches for 1,107 yards and 4 touchdowns in his first two years within the league.
Mitchell, then again, was the Colts’ second-round choose this yr after reeling in 55 catches for 845 yards and 11 touchdowns at Texas.
