.Stephen Owner, ESPNAug 7, 2024, 12:20 PM ETCloseStephen joined ESPN in 2022, covering the Indianapolis Colts and NFL unconfined. Stephen completed first place in column creating in the 2015 Indiana Associated Press Media Editors competition, as well as he is actually a previous top-10 winner in explanatory writing in the Associated Media Sports Editors nationwide contest. He has told the NFL since 2005, covering the Tampa fl Gulf Buccaneers coming from 2005-2013 and the Colts because 2013. He has recently worked for the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Gulf Moments, Indianapolis Superstar as well as The Athletic.WESTFIELD, Ind.-- Indianapolis Colts starting wide receiver Josh Downs left exercise with an ankle personal injury Wednesday early morning, requiring the assistance of 2 group wage earners to leave the field before being actually proceeded a pushcart to the locker room.The Colts performed not make known particular details regarding the trauma, but a source said to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler that Downs went through a high ankle joint sprain.Downs, entering his second NFL time, is actually a vital participant of the Colts' affront after capturing 68 masquerades 771 lawns final period-- second on the group in both categories.Editor's Picks1 RelatedAdding to the aggravation of the accident was the reality that it may have been actually preventable. Downs was actually handled from behind on the play by protection Scar Cross as Downs was heading out of bounds after capturing a quick elapsed from quarterback Anthony Richardson. Even further, the play came in a 7-on-7 period where physicality is actually usually discouraged.Coach Shane Steichen was actually essential of Cross' handle, pointing out, "Our experts've got to be actually smart. Our team are actually competing like crazy however our team've got to remain off the ground and our company can not drop, profit." Steichen reprimanded Cross on the area adhering to the play, even while Downs was still being attended to.Speaking to press reporters after technique, Cross pointed out, "Our team're contending, playing regulation football. Josh is my guy. I love him to death." If Downs is out for an extensive time frame, it raises the stakes in the struggle for the Colts' No. 3 wide receiver spot responsible for No. 1 Michael Pittman Jr. as well as Downs at No. 2. Professional Alec Pierce and also novice Adonai Mitchell have actually been actually rotating with the beginning outburst, along with instructors awaiting one to different. Each have presented substantial improvement in latest methods, and coaches assume both will definitely contribute in the offense.