Colts face record turnover drought as trade candidates suit up
Rumored departures Jonathan Taylor and Josh Downs are expected to play Sunday, while six second-year players start amid a historic defensive struggle.
By Jonathan Ramirez ·
The Indianapolis Colts have lost the turnover battle in 13 consecutive games, a streak that now stands as the longest in franchise history. The team enters Week 9 at 2-6 and hosts the Dallas Cowboys at Lucas Oil Stadium on Sunday.
Coach Shane Steichen confirmed on Wednesday that players rumored to be trade candidates will take the field if no deals are finalized by the NFL deadline on Tuesday, November 10. This includes running back Jonathan Taylor and wide receiver Josh Downs. Steichen rejected the strategy used by the Arizona Cardinals, who sat Marvin Harrison Jr. before his trade to Houston. "I think there's a lot of hypotheticals out there on the trade talks. Right now, he's on our football team," Steichen said regarding Taylor.
Downs, who requested a trade last week, met with media on Wednesday and emphasized his focus on the upcoming matchup against his brother Caleb. "I'm focused on here right now. Big game. Get to play my little brother (Caleb)," Downs said. He also addressed a failed trick play from Sunday where he did not dive for a bouncing ball. "I got to do a better job of getting on that ball. Plain and simple as that," Downs admitted.
The roster reflects a heavy reliance on the 2026 draft class as the team navigates its current slump. Six rookies are currently playing key roles or starting positions. Linebacker CJ Allen, safety A.J. Haulcy, and left guard Jalen Farmer are starters. Defensive end Caden Curry, running back Seth McGowan, defensive end George Gumbs Jr., and wide receiver Deion Burks are seeing regular snaps. Linebacker Bryce Boettcher has also started. Steichen noted on Wednesday that he plans to use younger players, specifically Curry, to adjust the team's approach.
The Colts face a favorable schedule for the remainder of the season. They play just one team with a winning record, the New York Giants, in their next seven games. The Giants are 4-2-1 and led by quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Other opponents include the Dolphins, Texans, Eagles, and Titans. The Colts are currently 3.5 games behind the leader in the AFC South and three games back from the final wild card spot.
Wednesday also marks the one-year anniversary of the Colts' trade for cornerback Sauce Gardner. In that deal, the team sent two first-round picks and wide receiver A.J. Mitchell to the New York Jets. The 2026 pick used in that trade was No. 16 overall. The 2027 pick is currently the No. 4 overall selection. Steichen praised Gardner's talent and energy during the interview, recalling how good the team felt at the time of the trade. "Made a trade for obviously a really good corner, very talented," Steichen said.
On the defensive line, the Colts signed 25-year-old tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore to a two-year contract extension on Wednesday. Steichen called Adebawore a "huge bright spot" and credited his pass rushing and one-on-one wins with improving the unit. "He's an incredible worker, a great human," Steichen said of the player's preparation and effort.
Wide receiver Alec Pierce remains on injured reserve with a heel issue. He has been out since Week 3 and was eligible to return two weeks ago. Steichen said there is no timetable for his return. "He's rehabbing, can't put a timetable on it right now," Steichen said. Pierce may miss the remainder of the season.
Sunday's game will be the first home contest since the team fired general manager Chris Ballard and traded away defensive linemen DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson. The atmosphere inside Lucas Oil Stadium may be tense, with Cowboys fans expected in large numbers. For Taylor, the game could mark his final appearance as a Colt if a trade is completed by the deadline.
