Colts Rule Out Key Starter Ahead of Sunday Matchup vs. Texans

The Indianapolis Colts have ruled out a key player, and the status of another starter will be determined ahead of Sunday's regular-season kickoff with the Houston Texans.

Dec 24, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs (1) runs after a catch against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts will be without an important player on Sunday against the Houston Texans, as head coach Shane Steichen declared wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) out ahead of the AFC South regular-season kickoff after neither player practiced this week.

The game status for kicker Matt Gay (hernia) will be decided sometime this weekend, as Steichen declined to say whether or not Gay would be a game-time decision.

Downs has been out since suffering a high ankle sprain in training camp practice on Aug. 7 when he was dragged to the ground during a 7-on-7 period by teammate Nick Cross. Downs told reporters this week that he just recently began running routes during rehab again and that he feels he's getting "real close" to a return to practice. During Friday's practice, Downs was seen rehabbing and working out on a side field.

It looks like Josh Downs is still rehabbing. Don’t see Matt Gay yet, but the specialists aren’t always out in the open. pic.twitter.com/BGNVlreEso

— Jake Arthur (@JakeArthurNFL) September 6, 2024

What happens next for the Colts? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second and sign up for our free newsletter and get breaking Colts news delivered to your inbox daily!

In Downs' absence, the Colts have tooled around with different looks in the slot, although it appears rookie AD Mitchell has seen the majority of Downs' vacated reps. Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce are the other two starting receivers on the outside and have both seen reps in the slot as well. Rookie Anthony Gould is another player who could get increased work.

Gay's ailment, which required a procedure to correct, was discovered about two weeks ago following the Colts' joint practice and preseason game in Ohio against the Cincinnati Bengals.

Undrafted rookie Spencer Shrader is expected to kick for the Colts on Sunday if Gay is out.

---

Need your fill on daily Colts' content? Head over to the Locked On Colts' YouTube channel where Jake Arthur and Zach Hicks hit on all the major topics surrounding this team. Hit that subscribe button while you are there!

Become a Locked On Colts insider! Ask your burning questions and get prompt answers from someone who's around the team every day! Get special access from the locker room, practice field, and press box!

Follow Horseshoe Huddle on Facebook and X, and subscribe on YouTube for multiple Colts live-stream podcasts per week.