Indianapolis Colts injury updates: Shane Steichen won’t put timetable on Josh Downs’ return

INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts are hopeful they can get a few of their key players back for a pivotal Week 1 against the Texans.

Receiver Josh Downs is off the scooter and walking with a good pace without a boot on following his high ankle sprain in training camp. The initial diagnosis was four to six weeks, which could have had him back by Week 1 or not until Week 4. But the Colts have optimism that it’s on the shorter end.

“I don’t want to put a timetable on it,” Steichen said. “I’d love to have him for Week 1. That’s the hope, for Week 1. But he’s progressing really well.”

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Steichen had more direct optimism for cornerback JuJu Brents, who has missed the past week with a nose injury; and running back Trey Sermon, who has been out with a hamstring issue.

Both players are supposed to return to practice next week, Steichen said. Sermon was doing some light running and stretching at Sunday’s practice, whereas Brents was in street clothes.

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The Colts have missed Downs in a noticeable way this preseason. The second-year wide receiver was enjoying one of the best training camps of any player, as he was playing like the high-volume slot receiver he was in the first half of his rookie season, before his knee injury aggravated. Without that timing and reliable play, Anthony Richardson has seen an up-and-down training camp when it comes to accuracy.

Adonai Mitchell has moved into his slot role, which gives the Colts a chance to get the second-round rookie more playing time as opposed to splitting reps with Alec Pierce. But he is also a developing player, and his chemistry with Richardson has been a work in progress.

The Colts will need to be as close to full-strength as possible to contend with the Texans, who won the AFC South last season before adding Pro Bowlers Stefon Diggs and Danielle Hunter in the offseason.

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