McKenzie will face competition for the starting slot receiver role from 2023 third-round pick Josh Downs, the Indianapolis Star reports.
Indianapolis wide receiver coach Reggie Wayne called Downs the best receiver in the 2023 draft class, so that may be an indication he has a head start in the race. The Colts signed McKenzie for just one year and $1.23 million, so it's not a lock he even makes the Week 1 roster. However, the Colts may want to begin the season with a veteran in the slot if Downs has any growing pains in training camp, especially if rookie Anthony Richardson, the fourth overall pick in this year's draft, wins the starting quarterback job over Gardner Minshew.