The Colts traded wide receivers Keenan Allen and Josh Downs, leaving five receivers on the active roster to absorb their roles over the final eight games. Anthony Gould is positioned to replace Downs in the slot, while rookie Deion Burks could take on more outside work. Laquon Treadwell, Ashton Dulin and newly promoted Nick Westbrook-Ikhine are also candidates for increased targets.

By the Numbers
  • Allen and Downs accounted for 67% of the Colts’ receiver targets, 70% of receptions, 61% of receiving yards and 67% of receiving touchdowns through nine games.
  • The pair averaged 88 snaps per game; Downs played more than 80% of the team’s offensive snaps.
  • Five receivers remain on the 53-man roster, with eight games left in the season.
Yes, But

The remaining receivers have limited production this season, and Alec Pierce is still on injured reserve with no return timeline. Gould, in particular, has just four career catches, while Dulin has never recorded more than 15 receptions in a season. Still, Burks has shown big-play speed, and Westbrook-Ikhine brings the most career receiving production among the group.

State of Play
  • Gould is expected to step into Downs’ slot role; Burks could see more work outside.
  • Treadwell already has a substantial role and may receive a larger share of the offense.
  • Dulin’s big-play ability and Westbrook-Ikhine’s experience give the Colts other options.
What's Next

The Colts will need the five available receivers to cover the snaps and targets Allen and Downs leave behind, starting with their next game. Their performance could determine whether the reshuffled group can keep the passing attack productive through the season’s final stretch.

Bottom Line

Trading Allen and Downs added draft capital, but it also removed most of the production from Indianapolis’ receiver room. The remaining group has an immediate chance to prove it can turn opportunity into reliable offense.