4 training camp position battles for the Colts in 2023
• There will be several important position battles decided in camp.
3. Josh Downs and Isaiah McKenzie will battle for WR3
One of the most exciting battles will be for the third wide receiver spot. Michael Pittman Jr. is solidified as Indy’s No. 1 wideout, and with Parris Campbell now I’m New York, Alec Pierce will make the leap to the No. 2 option. However, the WR3 spot is up for grabs.
The expectation is for the battle to be between veteran Isaiah McKenzie and rookie Josh Downs. However, Ashton Dulin will also be in the mix after re-signing with the team this offseason.
Indianapolis signed McKenzie in free agency, after he spent his last five years with the Buffalo Bills. Entering his seventh year in the league, Isaiah McKenzie has caught 141 passes for 1,345 yards and 11 touchdowns in 80 games. We’ll see if his experience can hold off the talented Josh Downs.
Despite not playing a down in the NFL yet, Downs already has a lot of fans. Among them are his position coach Reggie Wayne, and legendary receiver Steve Smith. Both Smith and Wayne think Downs has what it takes to be an elite receiver in the NFL. Will he be able to quickly adjust and start contributing from day one?