Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs was helped off the field after injuring his ankle Wednesday at training camp then left the practice field on a golf cart.

Coach Shane Steichen did not provide details of the injury immediately afterward.

The former North Carolina star was injured when he was tackled from behind by safety Nick Cross. Steichen scolded Cross after the play and later acknowledged players need to do a better job avoiding injuries in practice.

“We’ve got to be smart,” Steichen said. "I mean we’re competing like crazy, but we’ve got to stay off the ground, and we can’t go down. That’s the bottom line.”

Downs has been expected to play a key role as Indy's slot receiver this season following a breakout rookie season. He had 68 receptions for 771 yards and two scores in 2023 despite playing primarily with Gardner Minshew because of Anthony Richardson's injuries.

Richardson and Downs quickly forged a bond after being selected in the 2023 NFL draft and spent part of the offseason working out together. Steichen and others inside the organization believe having a full offseason would only help Richardson continue to find the speedy Downs on game days.

Third-year receiver Alec Pierce and Adonai Mitchell, both second-round picks, had been battling for playing time behind Michael Pittman Jr. and Downs. Players will take Thursday off before holding a short workout Friday.

Indy hosts its preseason opener Sunday against Denver. The Colts host Houston in their regular-season opener Sept. 8.

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