.Stephen Owner, ESPNAug 7, 2024, 12:20 PM ETCloseStephen signed up with ESPN in 2022, covering the Indianapolis Colts and NFL at large. Stephen finished starting point in pillar creating in the 2015 Indiana Associated Press Media Editors competition, and he is a previous top-10 winner in informative writing in the Associated Media Athletics Editors nationwide contest. He has actually recorded the NFL since 2005, dealing with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005-2013 as well as the Colts because 2013. He has previously worked with the Miami Adviser, Tampa Gulf Times, Indianapolis Star and The Athletic.WESTFIELD, Ind.-- Indianapolis Colts starting wide receiver Josh Downs left experiment an ankle injury Wednesday early morning, needing the aid of 2 team wage earners to leave the field just before being actually carried on a cart to the locker room.The Colts carried out certainly not divulge details info about the accident, yet a resource informed ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that Downs went through a high ankle joint sprain.Downs, entering his second NFL season, is actually a crucial member of the Colts' affront after catching 68 masquerades 771 gardens last season-- second on the crew in both categories.Editor's Picks1 RelatedAdding to the aggravation of the trauma was actually the reality that it may possess been preventable. Downs was actually dealt with from behind on the play through safety Nick Cross as Downs was actually heading out of bounds after capturing a quick pass from quarterback Anthony Richardson. Further, the play can be found in a 7-on-7 duration where physicality is usually discouraged.Coach Shane Steichen was important of Cross' deal with, pointing out, "Our company've got to be intelligent. Our company're competing fast yet our experts have actually got to remain off the ground and our company can't decrease, income." Steichen reprimanded Cross on the industry adhering to the play, even while Downs was actually still being joined to.Speaking to reporters after strategy, Cross pointed out, "Our experts are actually contending, playing soccer. Josh is my guy. I adore him to fatality." If Downs is out for an extended time period, it increases the stakes in the struggle for the Colts' No. 3 pass receiver spot behind No. 1 Michael Pittman Jr. as well as Downs at No. 2. Veteran Alec Pierce and rookie Adonai Mitchell have been rotating along with the beginning offense, along with trains awaiting one to different. Both have actually presented notable progress in recent methods, and coaches expect each will definitely play a role in the offense.