Colts’ Josh Downs Drops Two Passes in 27-23 Loss to Cowboys After Trade Request
Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs, who has requested a trade, had two crucial drops in a 27-23 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. It was the Colts' fifth straight defeat, and the NFL trade deadline is days away for Downs, Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor.
Indianapolis Colts receiver Josh Downs, who recently requested a trade, had two crucial drops in a 27-23 home loss to the Dallas Cowboys at Lucas Oil Stadium. It was the Colts' fifth straight defeat, and it came with the NFL trade deadline looming.
One drop came on the team's final possession. Long after nearly every teammate had showered and left, Downs stayed in the empty home locker room, trying to make sense of the game and his future.
It was only the third multidrop game of his career, according to TruMedia data.
Downs and his representatives privately made a trade request to the Colts in recent weeks. He heads into free agency in the spring, and the Colts are mired in an offensive funk.
"I got some things I've got to fix on my own," Downs said. "I feel like I could have made some plays out there that I didn't, and that's on me. That's what I'm worried about right now."
Asked whether he wanted to stay in Indianapolis, he said he is open to either outcome. "If they want me to stay here, I'm going to stay here. And if they don't, if they want to trade me away, they'll trade me away."
Jones and Taylor in the spotlight
Quarterback Daniel Jones completed 20 of 34 passes for 180 yards, one touchdown and one interception. Sources said that other clubs have made trade inquiries about him.
One source said Jones was very likely to remain with the Colts through the deadline. Coach Shane Steichen still gives him unequivocal support.
That support comes even though Jones' performance has dropped off precipitously from his fast start last season. That start led to the $88 million contract extension he signed in March.
Jones said the swirling rumors have not helped. "There's been decisions made outside of our control as players, and obviously that affects us," he said. "But it's our job to play and go out and play well every week."
The Colts have already fired general manager Chris Ballard and traded stars Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner. Jones said whether players are frustrated or confused by some decisions, "it's our job to play."
Asked about his own future, Jones spoke mostly about Steichen. "I believe in Shane," he said. "I believe in what we're doing. I love playing for Shane."
Running back Jonathan Taylor is the most intriguing trade candidate on the Colts' roster. Taylor, 28, signed a contract extension in August and is under contract through 2028.
He said he does not know what to expect over the next two days. He openly acknowledged that this game might have been his last in Indianapolis.
"I love repping the horseshoe," Taylor said. "It's out of our control now. The hay is in the barn. Now we just play the waiting game."
