Anthony Richardson’s return came with a reminder of just how much he had to fight through to get back on the field.
The Colts quarterback logged 14 snaps in Indianapolis’ Week 8 loss to the Jaguars, his first action since an eye injury in 2025. Richardson said doctors had warned him they weren’t sure his vision would ever fully return.
“There was definitely some times where I would go to the doctor and they would tell me they didn’t know if I’m getting my vision back,” Richardson said, via JJ Stankevitz of the team’s site. “So I’m just grateful that I even get a chance to go out there and throw a pass.
… There was a day and time where that wasn’t promised for me. So, like I said, I’m grateful for it.
I’m just thankful.”
While Richardson was back on the field, another Colts storyline is building around Josh Downs. FOX Sports’ Ralph Vacchiano spoke with a scout who recently watched the receiver before Downs requested a trade, and the assessment was blunt: “He sure looks like he doesn’t want to be there anymore.”
Vacchiano also reported that one executive questioned whether Indianapolis would actually land the third-round pick it is reportedly seeking for Downs: “No one’s crazy enough to do that, not with all the other receivers who might be available.”
Still, interest appears to be real. Vacchiano said sources told him the Chiefs and Steelers are among the teams looking at Downs.
One source added that Kansas City may view him as a fit because of what he can offer underneath: “Downs gives them a consistent short-to-immediate threat. Neither [Jaguars WR Brian Thomas Jr. nor Downs] will provide a high-volume target [for the Chiefs].
That will come in the draft next year.”
Thomas is drawing plenty of attention of his own in Jacksonville. Vacchiano said nearly everyone he spoke with around the league expects the Jaguars to trade Brian Thomas Jr., and one executive questioned why his role has been so limited.
“It doesn’t make sense. He can still run.
He can still move. He’s still big.
It was just two years ago that he was one of the best rookies in the league (87-1,282-10). He’s had issues with drops, but you can fix that.
He’s just too talented to give up.”
That same source pointed to the 49ers as a possible dark horse, citing their receiver injuries.
In Houston, the conversation is less about trades and more about why a defense that entered the year with so much confidence has slipped to 19th in points allowed. DeMeco Ryans and Nick Caserio both pushed the same message: the scheme isn’t the problem.
“We have plenty of players, we have plenty of scheme,” Ryans said, via ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime. “We just have to execute.
We have to execute a little bit better. If we execute a little bit better, the result can be different.”
Caserio echoed that view, arguing the issue comes down to whether players are carrying out the call.
“We have enough scheme,” Caserio said. “In the end, like, we don’t have defensive calls where the calls are to let the receiver run open.
If the defense calls for it to be pressed, to reroute the receiver at the line of scrimmage, and you don’t reroute the receiver at the line of scrimmage, letting them go to the route, is that a scheme issue? Is that a player issue?”
Will Anderson sees it a little differently. The Texans edge rusher said opponents have started to figure out what Houston is trying to do each week.
“Teams know us,” Anderson said. “You know what I’m saying?
They know how we play. They know our style of play.”
In Other News...
Jaguars Trade Buzz Just Raised One Huge Question About Their 2026 Push
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Carters recent four-year extension with the Eagles makes any pursuit feel complicated from the start, while Brown has been active this season and has continued to flash the kind of production that would draw attention from teams looking to fortify their front line. For Jacksonville, the question is less about whether the talent fits and more about how far the club is willing to go to accelerate its 2026 plans, especially with the Eagles dealing with their own struggles and the market for impact defenders never staying quiet for long. [Read more 🡒]
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Trevor Lawrence Faces A Ravens Test That Could Shift Jacksonvilles Season
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There are other pieces in play for Jacksonville beyond Lawrence, starting with how the running back room holds up on a short turnaround and whether Bhayshul Tuten is available. Up front, the Jaguars will also be watching Josh Hines-Allens battle with Ronnie Stanley, a matchup that could help determine whether Lawrence gets the kind of rhythm he has enjoyed so often this year. For a team trying to measure itself against a contender, this is the sort of game that can reveal a lot without necessarily settling everything. [Read more 🡒]