Colts Josh Downs out, Matt Gay questionable for Texans game

INDIANAPOLIS -- The Colts could find themselves in a Week 1 shootout with the Texans this Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium, but they'll have to do it without a key piece to the scoring.

Josh Downs will miss the season opener against Houston, coach Shane Steichen announced Friday. Kicker Matt Gay also did not practice this week and the Colts have listed him as questionable. Gay has been kicking but also missed the week of practice after undergoing hernia surgery following the preseason finale.

After playing all 17 games in his rookie season, Downs will miss Sunday with the high ankle sprain he suffered in training camp a month ago. The starting slot receiver has not suited up in that time, though he spent Wednesday and Friday stretching and working off to the side at practice, including some higher-intensity sprints on Friday.

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Adonai Mitchell and Alec Pierce could split his slot role in his absence, potentially with a few plays for Anthony Gould in order to get their fastest receiver on the field.

"The slot is a little different. You have to navigate through linebackers, safeties and nickels," Downs said. "... We've got guys who can handle the job."

A Pro Bowler with the Rams in 2021, Gay signed the largest free agent contract in NFL history for a kicker in 2023 and has yet to miss a game with the Colts.

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If Gay has to miss, Indianapolis would call up Spencer Shrader from the practice squad to fill in on Sunday. Shrader can bring a little familiarity from spending the summer with the Colts and is also an undrafted free agent from Notre Dame.

Indianapolis is trying to win its first opener since the 2013 season. It'll have a challenge against C.J. Stroud, Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, Tank Dell and the Texans offense. But this should also be the first full game with Anthony Richardson and Jonathan Taylor on the field, giving Indianapolis hopes its can keep up if the game becomes a shootout.

Contact Nate Atkins at natkins@indystar.com. Follow him on Twitter @NateAtkins_.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Colts Josh Downs out, Matt Gay questionable for Texans game