The Indianapolis Colts were back on the practice field Wednesday, and with that, the team released its initial injury report ahead of their matchup with Houston.
Only two players were on the injury report: wide receiver Josh Downs and kicker Matt Gay. Neither player would practice.
While Downs did not practice on Wednesday, head coach Shane Steichen would mention beforehand that he’s “progressing well.”
Downs’ status for Sunday is still to be determined but will likely need to be on the practice field in some capacity on Thursday if there is any hope of him playing, given that he hasn’t practiced in nearly a month. If Downs can’t go, we will likely see AD Mitchell taking the bulk of the slot snaps, with perhaps Anthony Gould getting some opportunities here and there.
Downs suffered the high ankle sprain in practice on August 7th. At the time, Ian Rapoport reported that he would be sidelined for 4-6 weeks. The four week mark puts him right at the start of the regular season. Downs was seen at practice working out with trainers.
Here’s #Colts WR Josh Downs (ankle) jogging down the field pic.twitter.com/VDNGmMajAW
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) September 4, 2024
Gay, meanwhile, is sidelined with a hernia injury he suffered in the team’s preseason game against Cincinnati. Gay would confirm that he did have surgery although the Colts at this time haven’t ruled out him kicking on Sunday.
If Gay can’t go, Spencer Shrader will be elevated from the practice squad. Schrader was 2-for-2 on field goal attempts during the preseason, which included a 56 yarder, and 4-for-4 on extra points.
Dallis Flowers who missed some time last week was back at practice today and was a full participant, as was Tanor Bortolini, who suffered a toe injury in the preseason finale against Cincinnati.
