.Stephen Owner, ESPNAug 7, 2024, 12:20 PM ETCloseStephen signed up with ESPN in 2022, covering the Indianapolis Colts and also NFL at large. Stephen ended up first place in column creating in the 2015 Indiana Associated Press Media Editors competition, and also he is a previous top-10 winner in explanatory news in the Associated Press Athletics Editors nationwide competition. He has told the NFL considering that 2005, covering the Tampa Gulf Buccaneers coming from 2005-2013 as well as the Colts because 2013. He has earlier benefited the Miami Herald, Tampa Fl Gulf Times, Indianapolis Superstar and also The Athletic.WESTFIELD, Ind.-- Indianapolis Colts starting wide receiver Josh Downs left behind exercise with an ankle personal injury Wednesday early morning, needing the aid of pair of staff staffers to leave behind the industry just before being proceeded a pushcart to the closet room.The Colts performed not reveal details info concerning the personal injury, yet a source told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that Downs endured a high ankle joint sprain.Downs, entering his 2nd NFL season, is actually a critical member of the Colts' offense after capturing 68 passes for 771 yards final period-- 2nd on the staff in both categories.Editor's Picks1 RelatedAdding to the disappointment of the trauma was actually the reality that it could have been actually avoidable. Downs was dealt with coming from behind on the play by safety and security Chip Cross as Downs was actually heading out of bounds after capturing a short pass coming from quarterback Anthony Richardson. Even more, the play came in a 7-on-7 time period where physicality is usually discouraged.Coach Shane Steichen was critical of Cross' take on, stating, "We have actually come to be smart. We are actually competing like crazy yet we have actually reached keep off the ground and also our team can not decrease, bottom line." Steichen admonished Cross on the field observing the play, even while Downs was still being actually joined to.Speaking to reporters after technique, Cross pointed out, "We are actually contending, participating in soccer. Josh is my individual. I adore him to death." If Downs is actually out for an extended duration, it raises the stakes in the fight 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 also newbie Adonai Mitchell have actually been actually rotating with the beginning offense, with trainers waiting on one to distinct. Each have actually presented substantial progress in recent practices, and also instructors anticipate each will definitely contribute in the outburst.