As NFL franchises are in the middle of furiously trimming their rosters down to the magic 53 number, it’s clear that the focus is beginning to shift to Week 1.
The Indianapolis Colts host the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 7 to open their season. The Colts have been no stranger to injuries this summer, with several starters picking up knocks and some young rookies being forced to sit out for the season.
Head coach Shane Steichen gave an update on two of those injured veterans, wide receiver Josh Downs and safety Nick Cross, who are juggling hamstring and hip injuries, respectively. Steichen is optimistic that both players will be back at practice next week.
The timing is ideal for Downs and Cross as they should be able to ramp back up to full speed just in time for the opener. Both players are key to their respective units.
Downs, entering his third season with the Colts, led the team with 73 catches for 803 yards and five touchdowns last season. With Daniel Jones now the starting quarterback in Indianapolis, Downs is a huge beneficiary of Jones’ ability to hit quick throws to allow the 24-year-old to make plays after the catch.
Cross, 23, was tied with Julian Blackmon and Kenny Moore II in interceptions with three while starting in all 17 games.
