Colts WR Josh Downs has been efficient through three NFL seasons, averaging 1.74 yards per route. But he's struggled for reliable fantasy value because of his role. Downs has run 81.5% of his routes from the slot and played very little in three-WR sets. That's resulted in route rates of 75%, 75%, and 67%, respectively, over his three seasons. But with WR Michael Pittman's departure, there's a chance Downs gets a full-time role in 2026. And that'd make him an exciting fantasy prospect.

WR Michael Pittman has been traded from the Indianapolis Colts to the Pittsburgh Steelers. After signing Alec Pierce to a $28.5 million average annual salary, the Colts will move on from Pittman. The Steelers had little receiving depth behind WR D.K. Metcalf, so Pittman adds a No. 2 possession WR for HC Mike McCarthy's new offense. Unfortunately, the uncertainty around the Steelers QB position still makes Pittman a shaky fantasy asset, even if Aaron Rodgers returns.

The Colts are expected to start QB Riley Leonard this Sunday against the Texans, according to multiple reports.

It's fun that the Colts almost upset the Seahawks in QB Philip Rivers' first game since 2020. But he certainly didn't boost the fantasy fortunes of anyone around him. Rivers completed a solid 18 of his 27 throws (66.7% completions) and found Josh Downs for an 8-yard TD. But he totaled just 120 yards (4.44 yards per attempt) and added an INT as well.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Adam Schefter report that Colts QB Philip Rivers will start Sunday's game vs. the Seahawks. It's been trending in this direction for the past few days. Rapoport adds that Rivers and QB Riley Leonard both got first-team reps in practice this week and both could play against Seattle. We imagine that'll only happen if Rivers struggles or gets hurt -- but either outcome is plenty possible. Rivers is 44 and hasn't played since 2020. Stay far away from this situation in Week 15 fantasy lineups. All of Indianapolis' skill-position players sit lower than usual in the Week 15 rankings.

ESPN's Stephen Holder believes the Colts are preparing to start QB Philip Rivers vs. the Seahawks on Sunday. "Two days in now, and my time in the building this week has left me only MORE convinced Philip Rivers is this week's starting quarterback," Holder wrote. "It isn't difficult to tell who a team is prepping to start. That player is Rivers. Period." It's not shocking that the Colts don't want to start sixth-round rookie QB Riley Leonard in Seattle. But they'll instead go with a 44-year-old who hasn't played since 2020 and joined the team just a few days ago. Rivers is at least comfortable in HC Shane Steichen's offense, but we don't imagine this going particularly well. Rivers isn't a viable starter in any fantasy format, and Colts pass catchers remain risky bets in Week 15 fantasy lineups.

ESPN's Adam Schefter confirms that Colts QB Daniel Jones needs surgery to repair a ruptured right Achilles. That ends Jones' season, puts his status for the start of the 2026 campaign in question, and leaves the Colts with a big problem at QB.

Colts WR Josh Downs (hip, knee) returned to a full practice on Thursday. He'll be ready to go for this weekend's game against the Jaguars. Jacksonville surprisingly ranks second in adjusted fantasy points allowed to slot WRs.

Colts WR Josh Downs (hip, knee) did not practice on Wednesday. We don't have any other info on these injuries. Downs finished out last weekend's loss to the Texans, so we're tentatively expecting him to play vs. the Jaguars on Sunday. But check back tomorrow for another update on his status.

Colts QB Daniel Jones was added to the injury report and limited in practice on Thursday with a calf. "Sounds like the Colts are being cautious," NFL Network's Ian Rapoport tweeted. "Still worth keeping an eye on..." We'll certainly be keeping an eye on this one. With QB Anthony Richardson on IR, QB Riley Leonard is Indianapolis' backup. He'd be a huge downgrade for the offense.

Jonathan Taylor carried the Colts' offense in Berlin, but WR Alec Pierce had another solid day, leading Indy's receiving corps in targets (7), catches (4), yards (84), and securing QB Daniel Jones's only TD pass. Pierce, who leads the NFL with an average of 20.9 yards per catch, has now averaged 91.5 receiving yards over his last four outings.

Colts WR Josh Downs (hip) is off the final injury report. He was sidelined on Wednesday but put in full practices on Thursday and Friday. Downs will be in his usual slot role in this weekend’s potential shootout vs. the Steelers.

Colts WR Josh Downs (hip) returned to a full practice on Thursday. It looks like he'll be ready to go for this weekend's game vs. the Steelers. Downs, still only playing in three-WR sets, remains stuck in WR4 territory.

Colts WR Josh Downs (hip) did not practice on Wednesday. It's a new injury for Downs, and we don't have any other details. We'll keep tabs on his status leading up to Sunday's game vs. the Steelers. Downs' absence would leave targets behind for WRs Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce and TE Tyler Warren.

Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. grabbed 8 receptions or 95 yards and a TD in Sunday's win over the Titans. It marked the first time he has caught 7+ passes in consecutive games since 2023. Pittman's TD also gives him six for the season, matching his career high from 2021. Pittman now leads these Colts in targets and receptions by six apiece. He still trails TE Tyler Warren in receiving yards. But both sit well ahead of the rest of the crew in all three categories. Warren posted a 4-53 receiving line against the Titans on five targets, trailing Pittman's lead by four. WR Josh Downs went 3-39-1 receiving on three targets. WR Alec Pierce caught two balls for 69 yards among five targets.

Colts WR Josh Downs (concussion) practiced all week and is off the final injury report. He’ll be back in his usual No. 3 WR, slot role for Sunday’s game vs. the Titans. The Colts are 14.5-point favorites with a 31-point implied total in that one. That gives Downs elevated TD upside, but we’re unlikely to get big volume.

Colts WR Josh Downs (concussion) got in a limited practice on Wednesday. He has a good chance to be cleared in time for this weekend's game vs. the Titans, but we'll keep you updated on his progress through the protocol over the next few days.

Colts WRs Josh Downs (concussion) and Ashton Dulin (chest) are out for Sunday’s game vs. the Chargers. Michael Pittman and Alec Pierce will continue to operate as the top two WRs, but the Colts might now be forced to rely on WR Adonai Mitchell in a significant role. Anthony Gould is the only other WR on the active roster. Laquon Treadwell is on the practice squad.