Josh Downs joined the Kansas City Chiefs in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts ahead of the NFL trade deadline. The 25-year-old is expected to make his Chiefs debut against the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday, November 15.
Kansas City added Downs to bolster its receiving group amid inconsistent production from Rashee Rice and Xavier Worthy, as well as the possibility of being without Tyquan Thornton for the rest of the season. Downs brings three years of NFL experience and a reputation for creating separation. Because he has had only a few days to learn head coach Andy Reid’s offense, his role in his first game could be limited.
## 1. Downs Is Expected to Debut Against the Falcons
Downs is expected to play on Sunday, though he may have a reduced workload as he gets familiar with the Chiefs’ offense. His route-running could make him useful on third downs and on shorter passing plays.
The Chiefs will also be without running back Kenneth Walker III, who has been ruled out with a groin injury. Walker’s absence could create more passing opportunities, but Rice and Worthy are still expected to handle a significant share of the receiving work.
## 2. He Spent His First Three NFL Seasons With Indianapolis
Before the trade, Downs had spent his entire professional career with the Colts. He recorded 231 receptions for 2,494 yards and 12 touchdowns in Indianapolis.
His strongest season came in 2024, when he caught 72 passes for 803 yards and five touchdowns. Downs appeared in at least 14 games in each of his first three NFL seasons, recording at least 55 receptions and 550 receiving yards every year. Through nine games in 2026, he had 33 catches for 354 yards and one touchdown.
## 3. Downs Had a Strong Game Against Kansas City
The Chiefs saw Downs play earlier this season, when Indianapolis visited Arrowhead Stadium in Week 2. He caught seven passes for 72 yards on “Sunday Night Football,” making it his most productive game of the season before the trade.
Six of his seven receptions resulted in first downs, helping the Colts move the chains against Kansas City’s defense. Eight weeks later, Downs joined the team he had faced and now has the opportunity to catch passes from Patrick Mahomes.
## 4. He’s Known for Creating Separation
Downs has developed into an effective route-runner, particularly against man coverage. He ranked third among NFL wide receivers in separation score this season, behind Garrett Wilson and Zay Flowers.
Against man coverage, Downs caught 11 of 19 targets for 126 yards and nine first downs. He also converted 10 receptions on third down into first downs, ranking 12th in the NFL. His pre-draft evaluation highlighted his agility and ability to find openings in defenses.
## 5. Football Runs in His Family
Downs was selected 79th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft after playing at North Carolina. In 2021, he set school single-season records with 101 receptions and 1,335 receiving yards. He finished his college career with 202 catches and 2,483 receiving yards in 23 starts.
His younger brother, Caleb Downs, was selected 11th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. Their uncle, Dre’ Bly, played 11 seasons in the NFL.
