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Taking a look at the the best rookies for the Colts thus far in 2023.
The Indianapolis Colts are 10 games into the 2023 season. At their bye in Week 11, the team stands right in the thick of the playoff hunt with a 5-5 record.
There have been many ups and downs so far and the rookie class has played a big contribution to the position the team finds itself in.
Here, we’re ranking the rookies that have had the biggest impact through the first 10 games of the season:
Former Tar Heel Josh Downs says Omarion Hampton is the best in America before UNC’s afternoon matchup against Clemson.
North Carolina running back [autotag]Omarion Hampton[/autotag] has taken the nation by storm with his monstrous runs and has been getting more recognition.
As analysts and scouts break down the Tar Heel run style, former UNC star wide receiver Josh Downs gave major praise to Hampton. Downs posted a picture of Hampton jersey with the caption “28 best in America” on his IG story.
What @JoshDowns said 💯 pic.twitter.com/Nl8I8Dg0M8
— UNC Barstool (@UNCBarstool) November 18, 2023
The post coming in hours before UNC’s arguably hardest game this season, should boost the confidence of Hampton.
There is no denying Hampton’s talent. Only in his second season, the sophomore has sprung into top debates, resembling the damage Javonte Williams used to do while in Chapel Hill. In 10 games this season, Hampton has 1,236 rushing yards and 14 total touchdowns.
Follow us @TarHeelsWire on Twitter and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
Josh Downs has been playing through a lingering knee injury.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has been playing through a lingering knee injury but isn’t concerned about the long-term issues coming out of the team’s bye week.
While Downs has been on the injury report for the last two weeks, the knee injury stems from the spring workouts when the rookie missed time at OTAs immediately after being selected in the third round of the 2023 NFL draft.
According to Nate Atkins of the Indianapolis Star, the injury hasn’t fully healed, and Downs has been playing through the flare-ups for the entire season.
“It’s not anything alarming that I’m going through. Just me having different nicks and knacks in my knee this season was going to happen because of that injury, but it is what it is,” Downs said via IndyStar.
Downs had a big flare-up during practicing in Week 9 ahead of the game against the New Orleans Saints. He wound up being active, but caught just one pass for 10 yards before exiting early due to the injury.
Despite not practicing all week and then hopping on a plane to Germany, Downs was active again in Week 10 against the New England Patriots. The Colts were cautious in his usage, saving him for some crucial plays.
Even with the knee injury and limited role, Downs still came through in the clutch. He only had two receptions but it included a 28-yard catch during a scramble on third down late in the fourth quarter to help seal the win for the Colts.
At this point in the season, most players are dealing with injuries in some way. Downs has proven to be extremely tough and the fact that he’s been working through this injury makes his rookie season even more impressive.
Hopefully the bye week will help heal the knee with some extra rest because the Colts find themselves right in the middle of the playoff hunt when they come out of the Week 11 bye.
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Here are the inactive players for the Colts and Patriots in Week 10.
The Indianapolis Colts (4-5) and New England Patriots (2-7) released their lists of inactive players ahead of the Week 10 matchup in Germany at Frankfurt Stadium.
Here are the inactive players for the Colts in Week 10:
| Name | Position | Injury |
| Julius Brents | CB | Quad |
| Drew Ogletree | TE | Foot |
| Cameron McGrone | LB | — |
| Jack Anderson | OL | — |
| Arlington Hambright | G | — |
Here are the inactives for the Patriots in Week 10:
| Name | Position | Injury |
| DeVante Parker | WR | Concussion |
| J.C. Jackson | CB | Personal |
| Trent Brown | OT | Personal/Ankle |
| Ja’Whuan Bentley | LB | Hamstring |
| Will Grier | QB | — |
| Sam Roberts | DE | — |
| Alex Austin | CB | — |
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Josh Downs is expected to play in Week 10.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs is expected to play against the New England Patriots on Sunday despite a knee injury, and there’s a chance he’s restricted to a limited role, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Though Downs didn’t practice all week—the Colts held two walkthroughs—the rookie wideout still traveled with the team overseason to Germany and was listed as questionable on the final injury report.
This gave him a chance to suit up if the team felt comfortable enough with his progress through the injury.
Colts’ WR Josh Downs, listed as questionable for Sunday’s game in Germany due to a knee injury, is expected to play vs. the Patriots, but the team could be cautious in how much it uses him, per source.
Patriots’ WR Demario Douglas, listed as questionable for Sunday’s game in…— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 12, 2023
Considering the Colts have the bye week coming up after this trip to Frankfurt, it wouldn’t be a surprise if Downs’ role was limited in some way. He dealt with this injury in Week 9 during the week of practice and even though he was active for the game against the Carolina Panthers, he wound up playing just 20% of the snaps before exiting due to the injury.
For those looking for a fantasy football outlook on the situation, it’s best to consider Downs as a WR4/flex option in full-PPR scoring. He might be able to do enough to put up a decent outing in that format, but managers may want to find a pivot option in case his role truly is limited.
Downs has been one of the most reliable players on the offensive side of the ball for the Colts this season. He ranks second on the team in targets (57, receptions (41) and yards (483), all while doing so without recording a single drop in 2023.
The Colts offense will need all the help it can get in Germany and while Downs may be active, it seems his role could be limited with the bye week coming up.
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Injury designations for Week 10.
The Indianapolis Colts (4-5) and New England Patriots (2-7) are just about ready to face off for an overseas matchup in Week 10 at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany.
On the final injury report for Week 10, the Colts ruled out two players earlier in the week while three others are listed as questionable. Meanwhile, the Patriots ruled out three players and have nine listed as questionable.
We will update changes to a player’s status that are announced Saturday before the game.
Here’s a look at the players with injury designations going into the Week 10 matchup:
The final injury report for the Colts and Patriots in Week 10.
The Indianapolis Colts (4-5) and New England Patriots (2-7) released their final injury reports Friday ahead of the Week 10 matchup at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany.
Here’s a look at the final injury report for the Colts in Week 9:
*DNP = Did Not Participate — LP = Limited Participant — FP = Full Participant*
Here’s a look at the final injury report for the Patriots in Week 10:
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Thursday’s injury report for the Colts and Patriots in Week 10.
The Indianapolis Colts (4-5) and New England Patriots (2-78) released their updated injury reports Thursday ahead of the Week 10 matchup at Deutsche Bank Park in Frankfurt, Germany.
Here’s a look at the updated injury report for the Colts in Week 9:
*DNP = Did Not Participate — LP = Limited Participant — FP = Full Participant*
Here’s a look at the updated injury report for the Patriots in Week 10:
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Tunnel Vision – a look back at Sunday for fantasy free agents, injuries and notable performances.
| SUNDAY SALUTES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Quarterbacks | Pass-Rush | TD |
| C.J. Stroud | 470-10 | 5 |
| Joshua Dobbs | 158-66 | 3 |
| Dak Prescott | 374-14 | 3 |
| Jalen Hurts | 207-36 | 3 |
| Tyson Bagent | 220-70 | 2 |
| Running Backs | Yards | TD |
| Rachaad White | 20-73 4-46 |
2 |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | 9-87 4-42 |
1 |
| Josh Jacobs | 26-98 | 2 |
| Keaton Mitchell | 9-138 1-(-4) |
1 |
| Aaron Jones | 20-73 4-26 |
1 |
| Wide Receivers | Yards | TD |
| CeeDee Lamb | 11-191 | 0 |
| Tank Dell | 6-114 | 2 |
| Noah Brown | 6-153 | 1 |
| Amari Cooper | 5-139 | 1 |
| Diontae Johnson | 7-90 | 1 |
| Tight Ends | Yards | TD |
| Dalton Schultz | 10-130 | 1 |
| Cade Otton | 6-70 | 2 |
| Cole Kmet | 6-55 | 2 |
| Jake Ferguson | 7-91 | 1 |
| Jonnu Smith | 5-100 | 1 |
| Placekickers | XP | FG |
| Younghoe Koo | 2 | 4 |
| Chase McLaughlin | 4 | 3 |
| Justin Tucker | 4 | 3 |
| Daniel Carlson | 3 | 3 |
| Greg Joseph | 2 | 3 |
| Defense | Sack – TO | TD |
| Browns | 7-3 | 0 |
| Colts | 4-3 | 2 |
| Raiders | 8-2 | 0 |
| Ravens | 4-2 | 0 |
| Saints | 2-5 | 0 |
QB Jaren Hall – Concussion
QB Daniel Jones – Knee
RB Cam Akers – Ankle
RB Kendre Miller – Ankle
RB Cordarrelle Patterson – Ankle
WR Mack Hollins – Ankle
WR K.J. Osborn – Concussion
WR Marquise Goodwin – Head
WR John Metchie – Ribs
WR Josh Downs – Knee
TE Dallas Goedert – Forearm
TE T.J. Hockenson – Oblique/ribs
PK Ka’imi Fairbairn – Quad
QB Daniel Jones – The fear is that he tore his ACL and would be lost for the season. The Giants passing offense has been one of the least productive and devoid of reliable fantasy value. If Jones is gone, the Giants only have the rookie Tommy DeVito or Matt Barkley for when they play in Dallas for Week 10.
RB Cam Akers – He injured his left Achilles, and the severity will be determined on Monday. He already tore his right Achilles while with the Rams, and any time that Akers misses will benefit Alexander Mattison more as he would inherit back some of the workload that Akers had taken.
WR K.J. Osborn – The Vikings wideout was carted from the field after temporarily laying motionless. He appeared to have a serious concussion and Brandon Powell would later catch a touchdown at the end of the game to provide the winning margin. Jalen Nailor is the primary backup for Osborn, but Powell is more likely to see expanded use. Justin Jefferson will return at some point as well, but for this week versus the Saints, Powell is the most likely to see a bump in targets.
WR Josh Downs – The rookie was already questionable entering the game with a knee injury he suffered in practice on Thursday. He was active for the game in Carolina but left after one catch with a knee injury – assumedly the one that hampered his practices leading up to the game. Isaiah McKenzie will replace him if needed.
TE Dallas Goedert – He injured his forearm which was awkwardly caught underneath him as he was tackled. He was immediately brought back to the X-ray room and ruled out. The Eagles are already without Grant Calcaterra (concussion) but the Eagles head onto their bye for Week 10. If Goedert missed any time, his targets would more likely shift to the wideouts and running backs than be directly applied to a backup tight end
TE T.J. Hockenson – He injured his oblique and ribs but was able to finish the game. That suggests he’ll be good to go for the Saints this week, but it bears tracking in practice.
QB Joshua Dobbs (MIN) – The rookie Jaren Hall only lasted for nine passes before suffering a concussion. Dobbs entered the game having never had a practice rep with the Vikings. He completed 20-of-30 for 158 yards and two passing scores, plus he ran for 66 yards on seven runs with another touchdown. Imagine what he can do when he practices, learns the plays, and knows the names of his teammates. Justin Jefferson is eligible to return next week, but that may not happen.
QB Tyson Bagent (CHI) – He is improving. The undrafted rookie threw for 220 yards and two touchdowns in the loss at the Saints, and he ran for 70 yards on eight scrambles. They host the Panthers this week, so Bagent has a shot at another decent performance.
RB Keaton Mitchell (BAL) – The rookie finally had his first carry of the year and ended with nine runs for 138 yards and a touchdown and caught a pass for a four-yard loss. He was popular with fans in the summer but suffered a shoulder injury and later a hamstring strain. The East Carolina back runs a 4.37 40-time . He broke a 60-yard run and later ran 40 yards for a touchdown in the win over the Seahawks. And it wasn’t just late fourth-quarter mop-up duty. Mitchell had runs in every quarter. Gus Edwards scored twice on his five runs for 50 yards and the Ravens let the rookie get more reps in the game that was decided early.
WR Noah Brown (HOU) – He’s only played in four games, but Brown led the team with 153 yards on six catches with a touchdown against the Buccaneers. His previous best was only three catches for 57 yards (Week 8). That’s probably a single-game performance, but it was impressive on a day when C.J. Stroud passed for 470 yards.
TE Cade Otton (TB) – The Texan defense is actually good against the pass but weakest versus tight ends. That showed up on Sunday when the Bucs’ Otton caught six passes for 70 yards and two scores – all season-high marks. He’s seen more use in the last three weeks, and the success of Week 9 should help him stay in the game plan.
QB Taylor Heinicke (ATL) – Hidden behind the defensive collapse of the Falcons was Heinicke’s first start. He replaced Desmond Ridder, who had a 28-24 lead over the Vikings with only two minutes left to play. He played without Drake London and passed for 100 yards to Jonnu Smith while Kyle Pitts (4-56) was better than usual. HC Arthur Smith said Ridder remains the starter, so they may return to him at the Cardinals this week. But their personnel decisions are often surprising, like letting Tyler Allgeier (12-39, TD) carry more often than Bijan Robinson (11-51) despite the greater effectiveness of Robinson.
RB Aaron Jones (GB) – After disappointing over the first eight games of the season, Jones ran 20 times for 76 yards and a touchdown, plus caught four passes for 26 yards. Jones had never had more than 11 touches in a game, so it is encouraging to see him with a heavier workload.
RB Rachaad White (TB) – The Bucs starting running back hasn’t set the world on fire and had not scored since Week 2. But he was better for two weeks with around 100 total yards and then became the No. 1 fantasy running back for Week 9 when he ran for 73 yards on 20 carries with two touchdowns and caught four passes for 76 yards. He’s taking over the backfield and getting more touches. The Bucs still handed out seven carries between Chase Edmonds (3-(-5)) and Ke’Shawn Vaughn (4-9) but White is rising in the rankings.
RB D’Onta Foreman (CHI) – The Bears lost to the Saints, but Foreman carried the ball 20 times for 83 yards – more carries in a game than any other Bear this year. Roschon Johnson only ran twice for six yards and caught a nine-yard pass. Foreman is looking good for this week at home versus the Panthers.
C.J. Stroud – The rookie just set the all-time record for a rookie quarterback with 470 passing yards, breaking Andrew Luck’s 433 yards in 2012. His five touchdown passes tie an all-time NFL record for a rookie. He is only the second rookie quarterback with 400 yards and five touchdowns in a game. Stroud only needed 40 of the 46 seconds left to play when he drove the Texans from their 25-yard line and ended with a 15-yard touchdown pass to Tank Dell with six seconds left to play.
Salute!
| Comedy | Yards | TDs | Tragedy | Yards | TDs | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| QB | Joshua Dobbs | 158-66 | 3 | QB | Tua Tagovailoa | 193-7 | 1 |
| RB | Keaton Mitchell | 9-138 1-(-4) |
1 | RB | Kenneth Walker | 9-16 1-1 |
0 |
| RB | Brian Robinson | 18-69 1-4 |
1 | RB | Bijan Robinson | 11-51 2-8 |
0 |
| WR | Tank Dell | 6-114 | 2 | WR | George Pickens | 2-(-1) | 0 |
| WR | Noah Brown | 6-153 | 1 | WR | DK Metcalf | 1-50 | 0 |
| WR | Odell Beckham | 5-56 | 1 | WR | Cooper Kupp | 2-48 | 0 |
| TE | Cade Otton | 6-70 | 2 | TE | Travis Kelce | 3-14 | 0 |
| PK | Chase McLaughlin | 4 XP 3 FG | PK | Harrison Butker | 2 XP | ||
| Huddle Fantasy Points = 175 | Huddle Fantasy Points = 46 | ||||||
Now get back to work…
Josh Downs won’t return due to a knee injury.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs suffered a knee injury against the Carolina Panthers and was ruled out for the remainder of the game.
Downs was questionable entering the weekend after picking up a knee injury during Thursday’s practice. He was considered a game-time decision but apparently felt comfortable enough to play following a pregame workout.
However, Downs left the game during the first half and when the team came back out for the second half, he was ruled out. It isn’t clear how serious the injury is.
#Colts WR Josh Downs is OUT due to a knee injury.
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) November 5, 2023
With Downs unable to return, the Colts will lean on Michael Pittman Jr. and Alec Pierce while Isaiah McKenzie and Juwann Winfree will likely get more snaps.
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