Is Josh Downs Injured or Playing In Week 9? Should I Pick Up Alec Pierce For Fantasy Football?

Is Josh Downs injured or healthy? Is Josh Downs playing in Week 9? Should I Start Alec Pierce for fantasy football? Read the latest fantasy football updates.

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs has been on the injury report this week with a knee injury. He is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Carolina Panthers.

If Downs is unable to go, will Alec Pierce see an increase in usage for the Colts?

Read below for the latest injury update on Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs.

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Is Josh Downs Playing In Week 9?

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs heads into Sunday's game against the Panthers with a questionable designation because of a knee issue.

It's unclear at this point if Downs will be able to play or not, but it's always a good sign when a player hasn't been ruled out by Saturday. The Colts will likely test him out in pregame to decide if he's good to go.

Downs was targeted nine times last week, catching seven passes for 72 yards. Over the last four games, Downs is averaging 5.8 receptions, 78.8 yards, and 0.5 touchdowns per contest. He's a solid WR3 play if he suits up.

Should I Start Alec Pierce for Fantasy Football Week 9

While Josh Downs practiced on Friday, which is a good sign that he might play on Sunday against the Panthers, there's always a chance that he tweaks something in warm-ups and is forced to miss this game.

If that happens, some of Downs' usage will likely go to Alec Pierce, who has played over 90% of Indianapolis' snaps in all but one game. He had five targets last week, catching three passes for 41 yards. He's yet to find the end zone this season, but does have three games with at least five targets.

Pierce is almost guaranteed to be on the field for the entire game if Downs is out. He doesn't have the same ceiling, but fantasy managers could do worse at the WR3/4 spot than Pierce this weekend. Michael Pittman Jr. would also see a slight uptick in volume and is a low-end WR1 option.

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