Wide receiver Josh Downs said on May 7 that he is ready to take on a bigger role for the Indianapolis Colts after the team traded Michael Pittman Jr. to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Pittman, who played six seasons with the Colts and became a reliable target for twelve different quarterbacks, leaves behind significant production with 784 yards and seven touchdowns last season.
Downs, now entering his fourth year, spoke about Pittman’s impact and what his departure means for the team. “Great dude, good leader, tough as nails – I mean, a guy that’s produced a lot for us over the past couple of years,” Downs said. “We’re losing a great player. He has a good opportunity in Pittsburgh. I know he’s excited for it. I talked to him about it, but of course we’re going to miss him in the room and just around the facility, because he’s a great guy. But I mean, at the end of the day, we all want opportunity, so we just got to pick it up where he left off and keep going.”
The Colts’ passing game shifted focus last season with rookie tight end Tyler Warren taking on an increased role at tight end. This change led to fewer targets for Downs; his receptions dropped from 72 in 2024 to 58 in 2025 while his yardage fell from 803 yards to 566 yards.
Asked if he was frustrated by this decline in production during his most recent season, Downs said: “It was a little different. My target share went down a little bit,” adding: “At the end of the day you just have to do what you can with what you get.” Other receivers like Ashton Dulin and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine are also expected to compete for more playing time following Pittman’s departure.
Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter addressed how changes at wide receiver will affect offensive plans moving forward: “We’ve tried to do a good job in years past of utilizing those guys for their strengths,” Cooter said. “We’re going to try to use guys to the best of [their] ability to help our offense.” Alec Pierce remains as one returning starter after signing an extension earlier this year; AD Mitchell was part of an earlier trade package.
Looking ahead at opportunities created by these roster moves and departures among receivers over recent months—Downs concluded: “There’s probably more opportunities there for me,” he said. “I’m excited for the new year and to see what happens with it.”
