Colts WR Josh Downs will be sidelined 4-6 weeks after suffering an ankle injury during practice this week. During a 7 on 7 period Downs was heading out of bounds following a catch when he was tackled from behind causing the injury. To make matters worse Downs suffered a high ankle sprain which over the past 2-3 years has been talked more about as it has a much different timeline and outcome than a typical low ankle sprain.
#Colts WR Josh Downs suffered a high-ankle sprain today at practice, sources say after the MRI. His recovery time was estimated at 4-6 weeks, which puts him right up against the start of the season. Downs had impressed, thus far. pic.twitter.com/9urh97zPat
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 7, 2024
Due to the tearing of the syndesmosis (high ankle ligaments) that attach the tibia and fibula a high ankle sprain generally requires more time off to allow healing and strengthening following the injury. The instability in the ankle and area of injury makes it a hard injury to tape strong enough to reduce the pain and increase the stability needed to allow an athlete to play. If bad enough it can also require surgery prior to return.
As of now there has been no talk of surgery which is a good sign for Colts fans as Downs contributed 771 yards on 68 receptions last season and is a vital part of an offense that will need their #2 wideout if they want to compete in the AFC South.
High ankle sprains are no easy injury to return from at the WR position. Think. Back to the Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams who suffered a High Ankle Sprain and reaggravated it his first game/first catch back in 2022. The Colts medical team will want to rest him and allow him full time to heal before bringing him back to reduce the chance of reinjury or worsening it leading to surgery.
The Colts start their season against the Houston Texans on September 8th.
