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Indianapolis Colts injury updates on Josh Downs, JuJu Brents and Sermon

INDIANAPOLIS – The Colts hope they can get some of their key players back for a crucial first week against the Texans.

Receiver Josh Downs is off the roller after a severe ankle sprain in training camp and is now running at a good pace without a boot. The initial diagnosis was four to six weeks, meaning he could be back fit in Week 1 or as late as Week 4. But the Colts are optimistic it will be short-lived.

“I don't want to put a timetable on it,” Steichen said. “I would like him to be there for Week 1. That's my hope, for Week 1. But he's making really good progress.”

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Steichen was more optimistic about cornerback JuJu Brents, who missed last week with a nose injury, and running back Trey Sermon, who was out with a hamstring injury.

Both players are expected to return to practice next week, Steichen said. Sermon did some light running and stretching at Sunday's practice, while Brents ran in casual clothes.

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The Colts have clearly missed Downs this preseason. The second-year wide receiver enjoyed one of the best training camps of any player, playing like the high-production slot receiver he was in the first half of his rookie season before his knee injury worsened. Without that timing and reliable play, Anthony Richardson had an up-and-down training camp when it came to his accuracy.

Adonai Mitchell has taken over his slot role, giving the Colts a chance to give the second-round rookie more playing time instead of sharing reps with Alec Pierce. But he's also a developing player, and his chemistry with Richardson isn't perfect yet.

The Colts need to be as close to their best lineup as possible to compete with the Texans, who won the AFC South last season before signing Pro Bowlers Stefon Diggs and Danielle Hunter in the offseason.

Contact Nate Atkins at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @NateAtkins_.

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