Jonathan Taylor Says Colts Exit Could Be Near After 27-23 Loss
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor said his 6 1/2 seasons in Indianapolis could be ending after a 27-23 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The Colts, now 2-7, face a trade deadline that could also move quarterback Daniel Jones.
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor said his 6 1/2 seasons with the team could be coming to an end after a 27-23 home loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The defeat was the Colts' fifth straight and left them 2-7.
The NFL trade deadline is approaching, and Indianapolis could move Taylor, quarterback Daniel Jones or both.
A highlight reel before kickoff
Taylor was warming up when the two large video boards at Lucas Oil Stadium began showing a montage of his highlights. It was not necessarily a send-off, but after weeks of speculation about his trade value, it felt like one.
"I think you play every game like it's your last. But at the end of the day, this has been a spot where I've grown up," Taylor said. He added that the city "helped shape me into the man I am today."
How the game slipped away
Indianapolis overcame a 10-point second-half deficit to lead 23-20 with 1:37 left. Dallas answered right back with Javonte Williams' 1-yard touchdown run. A late interception sealed the loss.
Taylor, the 2021 NFL rushing champion, never got much going. He ran 13 times for 46 yards and did not score, though he is the franchise's career leader in touchdown runs with 77. He also caught five passes for 18 yards and lost a fourth-quarter fumble that cost the Colts a key scoring chance.
Jones and Downs also in focus
Jones started his Colts career in 2025 with 10 impressive games but has struggled with turnovers this season. He was benched during last week's 42-7 loss at Jacksonville, which fed the trade talk.
On Sunday he completed 20 of 34 passes for 180 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Caleb Downs picked him off with 35 seconds left to end the game.
Jones said he has not thought much about a trade. "There have been plenty of distractions the last couple weeks with all the stuff that's gone on, and it's unfortunate we're in that position," he said.
Receiver Josh Downs, who played against his younger brother Caleb, caught three passes for 24 yards. Unlike Taylor or Jones, he requested a trade last week. "I'm open to whatever," he said.
Coach stays quiet on trades
Coach Shane Steichen, whose own job is in jeopardy, would not discuss the speculation. "I'm not going to get into any trade speculation. He's on our football team," Steichen said of Taylor.
The Colts have already traded away multiple players as they collect draft picks and clear salary cap space for 2027. Taylor has kept his focus on the task at hand, an approach Steichen has appreciated.
Indianapolis hosts rebuilding Miami next. Taylor, who has played only for the Colts, said he would like to keep producing highlights there. "I love repping the horseshoe, but it's out of our control now," he said.
