The Colts on Friday ruled out wide receiver Josh Downs (ankle) for their Week 1 game against the Houston Texans on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Downs, who sustained an ankle injury during an Aug. 7 training camp practice, did not participate in practice this week. Head coach Shane Steichen said Downs is progressing well and added the team hopes to have him back sooner rather than later.
With Downs out, the Colts will look to a deep group of wide receivers to fill in for him in the slot. Rookie Adonai Mitchell was an option there during training camp and preseason games, while Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, Ashton Dulin and Anthony Gould all have the ability to step in for Downs as well.
Kicker Matt Gay, who underwent hernia surgery in late August, was not ruled out on Friday. Undrafted rookie Spencer Shrader would be the Colts' kicker if Gay is unavailable. Steichen said Gay did kick on Friday and the Colts will evaluate his status in the next 48 hours before deciding on his status for Sunday.
The Colts' final practice report for Week 1:
