Colts' Josh Downs to Play vs. Jaguars Despite Reported Trade Request Ahead of NFL Deadline

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.

The 2-5 Colts have already traded left guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers amid a disappointing year that has included the firing of general manager Chris Ballard on Oct. 19.

Downs is in his fourth NFL season and the final year of his rookie contract. The former UNC star, who was a third-round pick in the 2023 draft, has caught 26 passes for 307 yards in seven games this year.

One can safely assume his time with the Colts is arriving at its end, whether it's via a trade before the Nov. 10 deadline or in free agency next offseason.

It's possible the end could happen sooner rather than later.

Teams are certainly in need of wide receiver help. Of note, NFL insider James Palmer reported on Prime on Thursday night that the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers are both looking for wideouts.

The Colts have already made it clear that they are conducting a fire sale as they presumably enter a rebuild, so trading Downs before he can leave for nothing in free agency makes sense.

In the meantime, Indianapolis is forging ahead amid a tough season that's seen the team lose three straight. A hard matchup at the 4-2 and first-place Jaguars now looms. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.