Josh Downs plays vs. Jaguars despite trade request — SkimNews
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- Josh Downs requested a trade earlier this week amid Colts organizational changes that included general manager Chris Ballard's Oct. 19 firing and the trades of cornerstone players Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner.
- Shane Steichen said Downs will perform his normal role against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, adding that Downs practiced all week and is "ready to go."
- Josh Downs said Wednesday that he is in Jacksonville's game plan and "has to be ready to go," despite his earlier trade request.
- Josh Downs leads the Colts with 307 receiving yards this season while taking on more work because No. 1 receiver Alec Pierce is absent; top tight end Tyler Warren has also been missing for the past two games.
- Josh Downs has seen mixed results and a career-low 56.5% catch rate as defenses have increased their attention on him.
- ESPN reported that teams have inquired about Downs's availability, but Indianapolis' willingness to deal remains unclear; Downs is in the final year of his rookie contract and said he is "open to whatever."
Why it matters: With Alec Pierce absent and Tyler Warren missing two games, keeping Downs in his normal Sunday role preserves Indianapolis' highest-output receiving option at 307 yards. Teams have already inquired about his availability, and his open stance gives suitors a concrete path in the final year of his rookie contract.
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