Colts to field Taylor, Downs in Sunday Cowboys game despite trade rumors

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receiver Josh Downs are expected to start Sunday's game against the Dallas Cowboys, according to head coach Shane Steichen. The team will play at Lucas Oil Stadium at 1:00 p.m. in Week 9. The NFL trade deadline is set for Tuesday, November 10, but Steichen said the Colts do not plan to inactive players awaiting potential deals. "I think there's a lot of hypotheticals out there on the trade talks. Right now, he's on our football team," Steichen said.

Downs, who requested a trade earlier in the week, said he is focused on the upcoming matchup. "Like I said last week, I was open to whatever. I'll keep that between me and my close peoples. I'll leave it there. I'm focused on this week and the Cowboys," Downs said. He also noted he will play against his younger brother, Caleb Downs, who is a safety for the Cowboys. Regarding a recent failed trick play, Downs said, "I got to do a better job of getting on that ball. Plain and simple as that."

The Colts are relying heavily on their 2026 draft class amid a 2-6 record. Linebacker C.J. Allen, safety A.J. Haulcy, and left guard Jalen Farmer are currently starting. Defensive end Caden Curry, running back Seth McGowan, and defensive end George Gumbs Jr. are playing key roles. Steichen mentioned on Wednesday that he plans to use more younger players, specifically citing Curry, as a future adjustment. Defensive end Bryce Boettcher is also starting.

The team is dealing with the longest turnover streak in franchise history. The Colts have failed to win the turnover battle in 13 consecutive games. The next longest active streak in the NFL belongs to the New England Patriots, who are on a streak of eight games. The Arizona Cardinals are on a streak of five games. This streak has continued despite the team's 2-6 overall record.

On Wednesday, the Colts signed defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore to a two-year contract extension. Adebawore is 25 years old. Steichen called the player "a huge bright spot" and praised his effort in rushing the passer and winning one-on-one matchups. This signing comes one year after the team traded wide receiver A.J. Mitchell to the New York Jets for cornerback Sauce Gardner. That trade involved a 2026 first round pick, currently the 16th overall selection, and a 2027 first round pick, currently the 4th overall selection.

Wide receiver Alec Pierce remains on injured reserve with a heel injury. He has been out since Week 3. Steichen said there is no timetable for his return. Pierce became eligible to return two weeks ago after completing the minimum four-game stay on injured reserve. The Colts have nine games remaining in the season. They are 3.5 games behind the lead in the AFC South and three games behind the final wildcard spot.

The Colts have lost 13 of their last 15 games. Their next opponent, the New York Giants, are currently 4-2-1 and feature quarterback J.J. McCarthy. The remaining schedule includes games against the Dolphins, Texans, Eagles, and Titans. The Colts have not played at home since firing general manager Chris Ballard and trading away defensive linemen DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson.