Colts running back Jonathan Taylor faces possible trade before Sunday game

Indianapolis running back Jonathan Taylor is preparing for a game against the Dallas Cowboys that may be his last in a Colts uniform. The NFL trade deadline is set for Tuesday, Nov. 10, at 4 p.m., leaving little time for a decision before the Colts host the Cowboys on Sunday, Nov. 8, at Lucas Oil Stadium.

The Indianapolis Colts currently hold a 2-6 record. General manager Chris Ballard was recently fired, and the team has already traded two key players. Guard Quenton Nelson was sent to Seattle, and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner went to San Francisco. Taylor is in his seventh season in Indianapolis and has rushed for 610 yards and eight touchdowns this year.

Taylor said he tries to keep external factors from affecting his play. “You try not to think about that because you don’t want external factors creeping in and trying to alter your play,” Taylor said. He noted that his weekly routine has worked throughout his career, so he prefers not to add unnecessary changes that might disrupt his performance.

If a trade happens, Sunday’s game could be Taylor’s final appearance at Lucas Oil Stadium. He described the emotional weight of playing in front of the home crowd. “It’s always emotional because you run out there and you see all of those fans and you realize they’re all here to see a great product,” Taylor said. He added that he never takes a home game for granted and feels a need to cherish the opportunity to play before those supporters.

Taylor said the team is now focused entirely on preparing for the Cowboys. “At this point, the hay is in the barn now,” he said. The Colts are looking to give the fans a win after a difficult week. “We’ve just got to give these fans a win. We’ve got to put out a great premium product. Can’t be what we put out last week, can’t be,” Taylor said.

The 3-5 Dallas Cowboys will face the 2-6 Indianapolis Colts at 1 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 8. The Colts will have until Tuesday to decide if they will trade Taylor. The team will make that call after the Sunday game concludes.