Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs runs a drill during training camp practice Sunday at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield.

WESTFIELD — Josh Downs has arguably been the offensive MVP of the summer for the Indianapolis Colts.

Now it appears the second-year wide receiver’s preseason is over.

While running a simple out pattern in a seven-on-seven drill Wednesday at Grand Park Sports Campus, Downs was tackled to the ground by safety Nick Cross.

The hit was not violent, but contact was made from behind and Downs was dragged to the ground. Trouble was evident immediately as the slot receiver reached for his lower leg in obvious pain.

He was helped off the field and into the medical tent, unable to put any pressure on his left foot.

According to multiple reports, an MRI revealed Downs suffered a high ankle sprain. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler was the first to report the news.

Recovery time for the injury is typically four to six weeks, but it’s too early in the process for the Colts to set a timeline for the wide receiver’s return.

Indianapolis opens the regular season at home Sept. 8 against the Houston Texans, and Downs’ participation is now in doubt.

Head coach Shane Steichen was asked immediately after practice for his thoughts on the play on which the injury occurred.

“I mean, we’ve got to be smart,” he 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.”

Cross is in an intense competition for a starting role in the defensive backfield. Julian Blackmon has locked down one of the safety roles, but the Colts continue to mix and match in an effort to find the perfect partner.

Cross has taken snaps at both free and strong safety, and he’s competing against Rodney Thomas II and Ronnie Harrison Jr. for a starting spot.

He said there was no ill intent on his tackle of Downs.

“I mean, we’re playing football. We’re competing,” Cross said. “Josh is my guy. I love that boy to death. So we’re competing, and it’s unfortunate. I gotta go see what’s up with him when I go inside.”

Downs appeared in all 17 games last season as a rookie and caught 68 passes for 771 yards and two touchdowns.

He’s stood out throughout training camp, particularly displaying his deep connection with quarterback Anthony Richardson.

The receiver said the duo is getting to the point they can communicate at the line of scrimmage with a simple nod or by making eye contact.

They’re seeing the same things from opposing defenses and making the same adjustments in real time, and it was obvious in Downs’ production during practice.

There’s no clear-cut Plan B to replace him.

Veteran Michael Pittman Jr. could move into the slot at times with Alec Pierce and Adonai Mitchell on the outside. Tight ends Kylen Granson and Will Mallory also could be in the mix.

And rookie Anthony Gould has the most obvious skill set among the receiving corps to fill the role.

“I mean, with any slot – obviously Josh is a hell of a football player, but those guys are interchangeable,” Steichen said. “I mean, you can put Pitt inside there. It just depends, right? What kind of route combination we’re doing – you can put anybody you want in there at that slot position.”

Gould has impressed working primarily with the second team.

A fifth-round pick out of Oregon State, he caught 84 passes for 1,360 yards and six touchdowns with the Beavers.

Over the course of the offseason, he’s gradually built a connection with backup quarterback Joe Flacco.

And the 16-year veteran likes what he’s seen.

“You know what? Early on in spring, there were a couple times where I threw him some deep routes and we didn’t connect,” Flacco said. “Then for whatever reason after that, we just seemed to hit our stride together. When I’m not in there and I’m watching him – just the little quick releases that he does and then how he gets up to full speed really fast. I think he’s doing an awesome job.”

Gould could make an early impact as a punt and kickoff returner, but he has said since the day he was drafted he also expects to fight for a role in the offense.

For the next month at least, he should have an increased opportunity with the first team.

Assistant general manager Ed Dodds was asked what he’s seen from the rookie that gives him confidence Gould is ready for an expanded role.

“Speed,” Dodds said. “It’s the one thing you can’t coach, and he has a lot of it.”