The Indianapolis Colts must decide Sunday whether to start star running back Jonathan Taylor against the Jacksonville Jaguars amid mounting trade rumors. ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler report that teams value Taylor at a “2+” clip – a second‑round pick plus additional picks – and the club faces a dilemma: play him and risk injury or hold him out to protect his market value. The decision comes after a busy week of departures, including DE DeForest Buckner and guard Quenton Nelson to the NFC West, and ongoing talks about wideout Josh Downs. Taylor’s status will shape Indy’s draft‑capital strategy ahead of the game.
The New York Giants, sitting 4-2-1 atop the NFC East ahead of Week 8, are exploring realistic running‑back upgrades before the Nov. 10 trade deadline. While Jonathan Taylor is a headline target, a new Athletic report cites three more attainable options: former Jaguars first‑round pick Travis Etienne Jr., who could be acquired for a 2028 fourth‑rounder; Saints depth piece Kendre Miller as a low‑cost addition; and Denver’s J.K. Dobbins, who may become available if the Broncos trade for a new back. The Giants aim to bolster the backfield without overpaying after recent roster moves.
Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. draws trade interest amid questions about his role in Jacksonville.
The Jacksonville Jaguars may trade wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. before the November 10 trade deadline, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. The former 23rd‑overall pick, who exploded for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns in his 2024 rookie season, has slipped to just nine catches for 105 yards and one score this year and was recently benched. Despite Jacksonville’s 4‑2 AFC South lead, Thomas’s production has waned, prompting speculation he could be moved as the team seeks roster upgrades. The Jaguars face the Indianapolis Colts Sunday amid the trade buzz.
The Indianapolis Colts have turned open to trading star running back Jonathan Taylor as the NFL trade deadline nears. Sources citing ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport say multiple teams—including the Broncos, Packers, Vikings, Giants and Seahawks—are in active talks, but Indianapolis seeks a premium return after rejecting a 2027 second‑round pick offer. Taylor, who has amassed 587 rushing yards and eight touchdowns in a 2‑5 season, is expected to play against Jacksonville in Week 8 before any move materializes.
With the NFL trade deadline looming on Nov. 10, the Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly eyeing wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. of the Jacksonville Jaguars, adding him to a short list that also includes Colts WR Josh Downs and a cornerback target. Sources say the Steelers are actively scouting talent to boost their offensive weapons as the deadline approaches, signaling a potentially busy week for the franchise.
The New England Patriots have placed defensive tackle Christian Barmore on the trade block, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. Barmore, a 2021 second‑round pick who signed an $84 million extension in 2024, has seen his snap count drop to just 42 percent this season, falling behind Milton Williams and Cory Durden. He posted six tackles, a forced fumble and three sacks in one start over six games. With a $17.1 million cap hit, a trade could clear up to $8 million this year and $41 million over two seasons. The Giants, Jaguars, and Vikings are reportedly interested, while recent moves like Jeffery Simmons to Chicago and DeForest Buckner to San Francisco signal an active market for interior linemen.
The New York Jets are holding firm on edge rusher Will McDonald IV despite multiple trade inquiries, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. McDonald, the 15th overall pick in 2023, posted eight sacks and 10 tackles for loss last season and two sacks through seven games this year. The Jets exercised his fifth‑year option, keeping him under contract through 2027, and show no interest in moving wide receiver Garrett Wilson. With the trade deadline 14 days away, teams like the Browns and Jaguars are scouting defensive‑line help, but no offers have materialized.
The Colts released their Friday injury report ahead of Week 8 vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars. Cornerback Justin Walley (knee) is OUT, opening the nickel spot for Gushiken Kapena. Wide receiver Anthony Gould (concussion) also misses the game, pushing return duties to Josh Downs, Seth McGowan, and possibly Ashton Dulin. Linebacker Bryce Boettcher (groin) is listed QUESTIONABLE after a week off, and tight end Drew Ogletree (knee) is also QUESTIONABLE, with Tyler Warren likely stepping in alongside Alie‑Cox and Mallory. The report highlights a strained secondary and backfield.
Amid a whirlwind week of trades that sent Pro Bowler Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner packing their bags, Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor says the team isn’t ‘rebuilding’ – they’re still fighting to win. The 27‑year‑old, who signed a two‑year, $44 million extension in August, has posted 587 rushing yards (fifth in the league) and 178 receiving yards through seven games. Despite his confidence, trade chatter swirls, with the Minnesota Vikings reportedly eyeing a deal. Taylor insists he’s proud to wear the horseshoe and hasn’t requested a trade, even as the Colts sit 2‑5 and prepare to face AFC South‑leading Jacksonville on Sunday.
Jaguars wideout Brian Thomas Jr. stresses staying mentally tough after another tough outing, vowing to focus on fundamentals and blocking noise. Meanwhile, the Houston Texans sit 2‑5 despite preseason expectations and use their Week 8 bye to zero in on basic techniques—especially tackling and reducing penalties—hoping incremental improvements can turn one‑score losses into wins. GM Nick Caserio acknowledges the roster won’t change until the off‑season but emphasizes better fundamentals and complementary football as the path forward.
After a 1-7 start to the 2026 season, Indianapolis Colts owner Carlie Irsay‑Gordon fires GM Chris Ballard and launches a fire‑sale rebuild. Interim GM Ed Dodds trades star guard Quenton Nelson to Seattle and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to San Francisco, while the team still grapples with a 2025 blockbuster deal that sent two first‑round picks and receiver Adonai Mitchell to the Jets for Sauce Gardner. Fans on X lambaste Irsay‑Gordon’s hands‑on sidelines presence, calling it “annoying” and “girl‑boss” micromanagement. Amid the turmoil, star RB Jonathan Taylor (587 yards, 8 TDs) says he’s not seeking a trade, though WR Josh Downs has requested one. The Colts now face the Jaguars and Cowboys while searching for a permanent GM and evaluating coach Shane Steichen’s future.
Jaguars OC Grant Udinski says WR/CB Travis Hunter’s usage will fluctuate weekly, ranging from ten catches one game to just a few touches the next. Texans GM Nick Caserio reveals the team is close to a new deal with QB C.J. Stroud, who boasts 1,867 yards, 11 TDs and one INT this season, but negotiations stalled. Meanwhile, Titans DE Keldric Faulk, a 2026 first‑round pick, has logged seven tackles, two TFLs and a sack, with coach Robert Saleh predicting he’ll become a franchise great.
The Carolina Panthers appoint former Seahawks defensive line coach Todd Wash as interim defensive coordinator ahead of their Week 17 matchup with Seattle. Wash, who served on Seattle’s staff from 2011‑12 and later became Jacksonville’s defensive coordinator, has been with the Panthers since 2023. He replaces fired coordinator Ejiro Evero after a 27‑19 loss to the Packers left the defense ranked 27th in points allowed and 23rd in yards. The Panthers’ front office and coaching staff are steeped in Seattle ties, with GM Dan Morgan, QB coach Dave Canales and associate head coach Darrell Bevell all coming from the Seahawks.
Travis Hunter opens up on the Chasing No. 1 show, confirming he still texts Coach Prime before every game despite his move to the NFL. The two-way star, who followed Deion Sanders from Jackson State to Colorado, recounts the daily support that has endured since his college days. Hunter highlighted his record-breaking college stats—57 catches for 721 yards in 2023 and a Heisman‑winning 2024 season with 96 receptions, 1,258 yards, 15 TDs, plus top‑defensive honors. Drafted second overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025, he logged 28 catches in seven rookie games before a knee injury, and now sees more defensive snaps in his sophomore year. Sanders’ family continues to defend Hunter publicly.
During the Jaguars’ 34-31 loss to the Houston Texans at Wembley, star Travis Hunter intercepted C.J. Stroud and celebrated by removing his helmet, prompting a post‑game $14,926 NFL fine for unsportsmanlike conduct. On the Chasing No. 1 podcast, Hunter disclosed he covered first‑class travel for his wife and baby—costing six bands—and accepted the “15 racks” penalty without protest. He also highlighted his performance: four receptions for 59 yards, a touchdown, and the game‑saving interception. Coach Liam Coen praised Hunter’s impact on both offense and defense, while the team faces multiple fines this season.
Chris Ballard made mistakes a now we correct them! Colts will beat the Jaguars Sunday! IU READY!
The Jacksonville Jaguars lose safety Antonio Johnson to an ankle injury ahead of their Week 8 game at Indianapolis, forcing Kaevon Merriweather into his first start of the season. Johnson missed practice after the injury first occurred in the Week 6 London game versus the Houston Texans. The secondary already wrestles with Eric Murray’s concussion absence, and Merriweather has been logging heavy snaps (21 in Week 5, 43 in Week 6) with a 73.9 PFF grade. Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers is listed questionable with hamstring and ankle issues, while most other players are cleared. Meanwhile, the Colts rule out WR/punt returner Anthony Gould (concussion) and slot cornerback Justin Walley (knee) for Sunday.
The Jacksonville Jaguars face the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday with wide receiver Jakobi Meyers listed as questionable due to a hamstring and ankle injury that kept him out of Friday practice. Meyers saw limited action earlier in the week, so there’s optimism he may suit up, but if he doesn’t, quarterback Trevor Lawrence will need to rely on other targets. Trade‑rumored rookie Brian Thomas Jr. could see increased snaps, though insiders Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter say Jacksonville isn’t looking to move him. The injury update and potential lineup shifts set the tone for a pivotal AFC South matchup.
Beat writer Ray Fittipaldo says Steelers GM Omar Khan will be aggressive in chasing a wide receiver, but he warns the team’s biggest obstacle to a trade—especially for targets like Colts' Josh Downs or Jaguars'—is the steep price and depth at receiver already on the roster. Fittipaldo argues the Steelers would sacrifice valuable draft capital and depth, making a trade impractical despite the hype.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen says wide receiver Josh Downs will suit up against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, even after Downs submitted a trade request earlier this week. The request came as Indianapolis already moved on veterans Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner, fueling speculation that Downs may be on the chopping block before the NFL trade deadline. Steichen urged Downs to stay professional and handle his business, leaving the door open for a potential trade after the game. The decision puts the Colts’ evolving roster strategy in the spotlight.
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs will play Sunday at the Jacksonville Jaguars despite his trade request, head coach Shane Steichen told reporters on Friday.
With the Raiders sliding from a 3‑0 start to a four‑game losing streak, trade talk intensifies around five-time Pro Bowler Maxx Crosby ahead of the Nov. 10 deadline. Reported by Jason La Canfora, teams are reportedly willing to part with two future first‑round picks for the 29‑year‑old pass rusher. The most likely suitors include the Dallas Cowboys, still thin on sacks; the Jacksonville Jaguars, a 4‑2 dark‑horse with extra Day‑3 picks; the Detroit Lions, seeking to pair Crosby with Aidan Hutchinson; the New York Giants, who sit atop the NFC East with 21 sacks; and the Buffalo Bills, who need defensive help after a 5‑1 start. Each franchise weighs price versus need as Las Vegas decides whether to move its star edge‑rusher.
The Indianapolis Colts are weighing a trade of star running back Jonathan Taylor ahead of the Nov. 10 deadline, and the New York Giants are watching closely. After Tuesday’s fire‑sale moves that sent guard Quenton Nelson to Seattle and DT DeForest Buckner to San Francisco, insiders say the Colts may hold Taylor out of Week 8 against Jacksonville to avoid injury and preserve draft value. NBC’s Mike Florio notes that a healthy‑scratch would signal a deal is imminent. Taylor says he hasn’t requested a trade and remains focused on the Jaguars game, but the decision could reshape both teams’ futures.
The Washington Commanders are expected to fire Dan Quinn after another sub‑5‑win season and are eyeing five head‑coach candidates for 2027. Defensive mastermind Brian Flores (Minnesota Vikings DC) could revamp the Commanders’ defense and build around a franchise quarterback. Offensive hot‑shot Declan Doyle (Baltimore Ravens OC) has engineered a top‑10 offense despite missing Lamar Jackson and could tailor a Ravens‑style attack for dual‑threat QB Jayden Daniels. Jacksonville Jaguars DC Anthony Campanile, praised for turnover‑heavy schemes, offers a defensive boost. Detroit Lions OC Drew Petzing, whose unit now ranks third in yards per drive, brings seasoned play‑calling and a strong red‑zone record. The article weighs each candidate’s recent achievements and fit for Washington’s rebuild.