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Colts Rule Out Josh Downs for Week 7 as Kenny Moore II Returns and WR Plan Shifts

Indianapolis plans a committee in the slot with more tight end usage to offset his absence.

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 5: Josh Downs #1 of the Indianapolis Colts gestures to the camera prior to an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 5, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)
Oct 12, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (1) carries the ball defended by Arizona Cardinals linebacker Mack Wilson (2) and safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (42) during the fourth quarter of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Indianapolis ruled out WR Josh Downs (concussion), WR Ashton Dulin (chest) and CB Charvarius Ward (concussion) for Sunday’s game at the Chargers, and cleared CB Kenny Moore II to play.
  • Downs entered the NFL’s five-step concussion protocol after taking hard hits late in Week 6, missed practices Wednesday and Thursday, and was officially ruled out on Friday.
  • His loss removes a key chain-mover for Daniel Jones; Downs has 26 receptions for 217 yards with 15 catches converting first downs this season, leaving the Colts thin at receiver.
  • Coach Shane Steichen said Adonai Mitchell will be active, with slot snaps likely distributed among Alec Pierce and Michael Pittman Jr., and increased roles for TE Tyler Warren and heavier two- and three–tight-end sets.
  • The Colts could lean more on Jonathan Taylor against a Chargers run defense that has struggled this season, ranking near the bottom of the league by yards per rush allowed.