Coach Shane Steichen confirmed receiver Josh Downs asked out of Indianapolis but will still suit up Sunday against Jacksonville.
Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen said Thursday that both Josh Downs and Jonathan Taylor will play their normal roles Sunday against the Jaguars, even as trade speculation swirls with 11 days left before the NFL's deadline.
Steichen confirmed a prior ESPN report that Downs, the team's top active wide receiver, has requested a trade. Downs is in a contract year and was selected by Indianapolis in the third round of the 2023 draft.
Despite the request, Steichen said he spoke privately with Downs and expects him to compete at full effort. "I had a conversation with him – a private conversation. He's a pro. He's practiced this week. He's ready to go," Steichen said. "We're expecting him to play his best on Sunday. I said, 'Hey, you're a professional. You requested a trade, but you're on this football team, and you've got to show...'"
Taylor, the team's star running back, faces no similar trade request but remains part of the broader speculation around Indianapolis as the deadline approaches. Both players are expected to take the field in Jacksonville as usual.