Colts' Steichen: WR Downs 'ready to go' despite trade request

• Stephen HolderOct 30, 2026, 05:41 PM ET

  Close

  Stephen joined ESPN in 2022, covering the Indianapolis Colts and NFL at large. Stephen finished first place in column writing in the 2015 Indiana Associated Press Media Editors competition, and he is a previous top-10 winner in explanatory journalism in the Associated Press Sports Editors national contest. He has chronicled the NFL since 2005, covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2005-2013 and the Colts since 2013. He has previously worked for the Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, Indianapolis Star and The Athletic.

INDIANAPOLIS -- Colts receiver Josh Downs will perform his normal role Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars despite his trade request this week, coach Shane Steichen said.

Downs requested a trade earlier this week amid the Colts' organizational changes. General manager Chris Ballard was fired Oct. 19, and cornerstone players Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner were traded this week to the Seahawks and 49ers, respectively.

Downs seemed frustrated when he spoke to reporters Wednesday, saying when asked about whether he wanted to remain in Indianapolis, "I'm here right now. I'm where my feet are. We've got the Jags this weekend, and so I'm in the game plan. So I've got to be ready to go."

Steichen said he had a discussion with Downs in recent days and implored him to remain focused on the present.

"'Hey, you're a professional'," Steichen said, recounting the conversation. "'Obviously, you requested a trade. But you're on this football team, and you've got to show up. We've got to go play a game on Sunday.'"

As for how Downs performed during the week's practices, Steichen said, "He's a pro. He practiced this week. He's ready to go. We're expecting for him to be his best on Sunday."

Downs has a team-high 307 receiving yards this season as he's been asked to do more in the absence of No. 1 receiver Alec Pierce. The Colts have also been missing top tight end Tyler Warren in their past two games, further impacting the passing game.

It's all led to increased attention from defenses for Downs, who has seen mixed results. He currently has a career-low catch rate of 56.5%.

Downs is in the final year of his rookie contract. Sources told ESPN that teams have inquired about Downs' availability, but it remains unclear whether Indianapolis is willing to deal him.

"I'm open to whatever," Downs said this week. "Whatever comes my way, comes my way."