The Colts’ season took another hit in Jacksonville, and the fallout around Josh Downs only added to the noise.
Indianapolis dropped to 2-6 after a 42-7 loss, a result that prompted a blunt message from star running back Jonathan Taylor. Anthony Richardson started in place of Daniel Jones, while Downs was on the field enough to make an impact - he finished with four catches for 23 yards and the Colts’ only touchdown.
But after the game, Downs was nowhere to be found in the locker room. James Boyd reported from Jacksonville that the receiver had already left by the time media entered following Shane Steichen’s and Daniel Jones’ postgame press conferences.
“Colts WR Josh Downs was not in the locker room after media came in following Shane Steichen and Daniel Jones' postgame press conferences,” Boyd wrote.
“Several other players were still in here. Therefore, we still haven't heard from Downs since his trade request went public.”
The timing only sharpened the attention around a player who has already surfaced as a possible trade target. With the deadline set for Nov. 10, Downs looks like one of the most likely names to move if Indianapolis decides to keep reshaping the roster.
The Colts have already started leaning into younger options. Recent draft pick DJ Giddens led the team in rushing as Taylor trade rumors circulated, and the team also elevated two new players to the active roster while trying to shuffle pieces around. None of it changed the outcome in Jacksonville, where Trevor Lawrence carved them up for three touchdown passes.
Now the Colts turn to Week 9 and a home matchup with the Cowboys at Lucas Oil Stadium. It’s a chance to grab a much-needed win and keep whatever playoff hopes remain from slipping away.
Taylor sounds ready to keep pushing for his teammates. Downs, meanwhile, is the name hanging over the next stretch of Indianapolis’ season.
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Jonathan Taylor Gives Colts Fans One Less Thing To Worry About
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Josh Downs is also expected to be active, even as his situation continues to hang over the roster. Downs has requested a trade and is headed for free agency next year, but for now he remains part of the mix as Indianapolis prepares for a divisional test that could benefit from having both playmakers on the field. [Read more 🡒]
Colts Ugly Jaguars Loss Just Put Everyone On Notice
The collapse in Jacksonville left the Colts in a familiar but increasingly uncomfortable spot, staring at a 42-7 defeat that extended the losing streak to four and turned a rough stretch into something much harder to ignore. What stood out most was not just the score, but the way the game looked from start to finish, with the Jaguars in control and Indianapolis never finding much of a response.
Shane Steichens postgame tone suggested this is no longer about one bad afternoon or one isolated phase of play. The coaching staff is now looking at every part of the roster, and the latest quarterback wrinkle only added to the unease around the team. With questions already swirling about possible changes, the Colts have reached a point where even routine decisions suddenly feel like part of a much bigger reckoning. [Read more 🡒]
Anthony Richardson Just Put Colts Fans Face To Face With Reality
The Colts loss to Jacksonville was ugly enough on its own, but Anthony Richardsons postgame comments added a different kind of weight to the afternoon. After replacing Daniel Jones in the 42-7 defeat, Richardson spoke about the eye injury he suffered in 2025 and the gratitude he feels simply to be back on the field, a reminder that his career has already had to survive more than the usual ups and downs of a young quarterback.
Richardsons brief appearance offered a small glimpse of what Indianapolis has been trying to sort through at the position. He completed both of his passes and ran twice, while Jones struggled through a rough outing with two interceptions and three sacks. The Colts are left with the same uncomfortable question they have been circling, only now it comes with the added reality of Richardsons own path back to playing at all. [Read more 🡒]