Colts Fall to Cowboys as Trade Deadline Looms

Indianapolis fell to 2-7 after a 27-23 home loss to Dallas on November 8, leaving the team with less than two days before the NFL trade deadline. The Colts can make deals until 4 p.m. Eastern time on November 10 as they consider changes to a roster already missing two key players traded earlier: guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.

Running back Jonathan Taylor, receiver Josh Downs and quarterback Daniel Jones are among the players identified as possible trade candidates. The Colts are believed to prefer keeping Downs, while owner and CEO Carlie Irsay-Gordon is said to favor retaining Taylor as part of the team’s next core. The loss came after Indianapolis had already dropped to 2-6 against Jacksonville in Week 8.

The three potential trade pieces had a difficult two-game stretch: Jones completed 39 of 62 passes for 324 yards, two touchdowns and three interceptions, and was sacked five times. Taylor gained 69 yards on 21 carries and fumbled twice. Downs caught seven of 11 targets for 47 yards and a touchdown, with three drops. Their recent performances could weaken Indianapolis’ negotiating position, while the extended trade talks may give other teams time to pursue alternatives.

The loss also renewed questions about coach Shane Steichen’s future. His record with Indianapolis stands at 27-33 over three and a half seasons, and the Colts have gone 2-14 across their last 16 games. The team’s next priority, as the season continues, is giving younger players opportunities. Second-year defensive end Jaylahn Tuimoloau recorded his first two career sacks in consecutive weeks, while defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore leads the team in sacks and pressures through eight weeks.