Colts’ Receiving Corps Hit by Injuries Ahead of 2026 Season

Head coach Shane Steichen told reporters that wide receiver Josh Downs is dealing with a groin injury that is “not considered serious.” The injury kept Downs out of Saturday’s training-camp practice, and the team did not provide a timetable for his return. The injury could keep him from participating in the upcoming joint practice with the New England Patriots and the preseason opener against the Patriots later this week.

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The Colts entered the 2026 offseason after trading veteran receiver Michael Pittman to the Pittsburgh Steelers, creating a larger role for the younger receiving group. In March 2026 the team signed Alec Pierce to a four-year, $114 million contract extension, with $84 million guaranteed and the potential to reach $116 million with incentives. Pierce is still on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list after offseason ankle surgery and has not practiced this summer.

Troubling WR injury news out of Indianapolis Colts training camp

• Josh Downs (2025): 58 receptions on 88 targets for 566 yards and four touchdowns in 16 games (9.8 yards per catch, 36 first-downs).

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• Alec Pierce (2025): 47 receptions on 84 targets for 1,003 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games (21.3 yards per catch).

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• Contract: Pierce’s extension includes $84 million in total guarantees, $60 million fully guaranteed at signing.

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• Other receivers: Ashton Dulin, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine and Anthony Gould filled first-team slots in the practice where both Downs and Pierce were absent.

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• Shane Steichen (head coach) described Downs’ groin issue as not serious and indicated the player should return soon.

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• Jim Bob Cooter (offensive coordinator) said the injuries provide “a great opportunity” for younger receivers to compete for roster spots.

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• Adam Schefter (NFL insider) reported that Pierce remains on the PUP list while Downs missed practice because of the groin problem.

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With Pittman gone, Indianapolis plans to rely heavily on Pierce and Downs to anchor the passing attack. Pierce’s prolonged absence leaves a void at the top of the route tree, while Downs’ injury removes a key slot-receiver who contributed consistently last season. The injuries have forced the coaching staff to evaluate depth players such as Dulin, Westbrook-Ikhine and Gould, potentially reshaping the hierarchy of the receiving corps before the regular season begins.

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• The severity of Downs’ groin injury is described as “not serious” by the head coach, yet no specific timeline for his return has been given.

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• No details have been released regarding the exact nature of Pierce’s ankle recovery or an expected return date, leaving his availability for the season uncertain.

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The Colts are slated to hold a joint practice with the New England Patriots early next week, followed by a preseason matchup against the Patriots later that week. Both events will serve as early tests of the offense’s depth and the readiness of the remaining receivers.

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