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WR-Needy Teams Calling Colts About Josh Downs
Wide receiver-needy NFL teams have called the Indianapolis Colts on wide receiver Josh Downs, several league sources told Jordan Schultz. The Colts traded away Pro Bowl offensive guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks and Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner to the San Francisco 49ers on Tuesday, and Downs could be next to go as the 2-5 Colts continue to clean house for draft capital. The 25-year-old Downs caught just two of his four targets for 18 yards in Sunday's Week 7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings as he continues his disappointing 2026 season. The former third-rounder from North Carolina has yet to find the end zone through seven weeks and has 26 receptions on 46 targets for 307 yards (11.8 yards per catch ) to begin his fourth year in the NFL. Downs' production, or lack thereof, is even more disappointing when considering that Alec Pierce (heel) has been on Injured Reserve after aggravating his surgically repaired heel in the Week 2 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. In addition to Downs, the Colts could trade away veteran receiver Keenan Allen and star running back Jonathan Taylor before the Nov. 10 deadline.
Source: Jordan Schultz
Source: Jordan Schultz
49ers Reunite With DeForest Buckner, Acquire him From Colts
The San Francisco 49ers acquired three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner from the Indianapolis Colts on Tuesday, according to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and ESPN's Adam Schefter. Buckner will return to San Francisco to help fortify their defensive line as an answer to the Seattle Seahawks' acquisition of Pro Bowl offensive guard Quenton Nelson earlier in the day. Buckner was a first-round pick by the 49ers back in 2016 and spent the first four years of his career in the Bay Area before moving to Indianapolis. In seven games so far this year with the Colts in his 11th year in the league, Buckner has 31 tackles (11 solo), four sacks, four tackles for loss, eight QB hits, three pass breakups, and a fumble recovery. The 49ers sent a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Colts in exchange for the veteran pass-rusher. Buckner should start immediately for the Niners and will help their pass rush until All-Pro defensive end Nick Bosa can return from a knee injury.
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
Colts Don't Seem Likely to Trade Jonathan Taylor
ESPN's Adam Schefter said on The Pat McAfee Show on Tuesday that his understanding is that the Indianapolis Colts' owner "does not want to trade" star running back Jonathan Taylor by this year's Nov. 10 deadline. "If I had to guess today, I don't think that they will trade Jonathan Taylor," Schefter added. It will not stop interested teams around the league from inquiring about Taylor to see what the price might be, but after the Colts sent eight-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday, it does not mean that Taylor will necessarily be traded this year. The 27-year-old Taylor has been most of Indy's offense so far this year, carrying the ball 140 times for 587 yards (4.2 yards per carry) and a league-high eight rushing touchdowns through seven weeks, adding 17 catches for 178 yards on 26 targets in the passing game. The three-time Pro Bowler would likely see a boost to his fantasy football value if he were traded to a contender to become their RB1, but fantasy managers should not be banking on that happening. But even if he stays in Indy, JT will continue to be one of the elite running backs in the NFL.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Could Keenan Allen Be the Next Colts Player on the Move?
The Indianapolis Colts made headlines by trading six-time All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday, and NFL Insider Ari Meirov believes more moves could be on the way, specifically listing wide receiver Keenan Allen among a group of players on whom the Colts could be willing to listen to offers. Playing for his third team in as many seasons, the 14-year veteran leads the Colts with 44 targets, which he has converted into 29 receptions, 258 yards, and a touchdown. Well beyond his early-career durability concerns, Allen has been a fantasy producer almost everywhere he's gone, finishing as a WR3 or better in eight of the past nine seasons, and a move to a more productive offensive environment ahead of the NFL's November 10 trade deadline could help him keep the streak alive.
Source: https://x.com/MySportsUpdate/status/2115122413012742559
Source: https://x.com/MySportsUpdate/status/2115122413012742559
Josh Downs a Potential Trade Candidate Ahead of NFL Deadline
With the Indianapolis Colts officially signaling themselves as sellers with their trade of six-time All-Pro guard Quenton Nelson to the Seattle Seahawks, NFL Insider Ari Meirov lists wide receiver Josh Downs among a group of players who could be next to be moved. A preseason fantasy darling, Downs has disappointed in 2026, topping 50 receiving yards only twice and failing to find the end zone through seven games. Currently the fantasy WR46, the fourth-year veteran could benefit from a change of scenery, and his situation bears monitoring ahead of the NFL's November 10 trade deadline.
Source: Ari Meirov
Source: Ari Meirov
Seth McGowan a Priority Waiver-Wire Stash Ahead of NFL Trade Deadline
Indianapolis Colts rookie running back Seth McGowan has played a limited role in his team's offense so far in 2026, recording 146 yards from scrimmage on 36 touches across seven games. The 25-year-old had his usage scaled up in Week 7, logging 11 carries for 46 yards against the Minnesota Vikings. McGowan's growing role could be a sign of things to come. The Colts still have superstar running back Jonathan Taylor firmly ahead of McGowan on the depth chart, which will not change as long as Taylor remains healthy and on the roster. However, with the Colts currently sitting at 2-5 and riding a three-game losing streak, trade speculation around Taylor has begun to heat up. If Taylor were to get moved, McGowan could be in line to assume a workhorse role in the Indianapolis backfield. In leagues where he is available on the waiver wire, McGowan profiles as a priority stash candidate as the trade deadline approaches.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Alec Pierce Unlikely to Return to Practice This Week
When asked if wide receiver Alec Pierce (heel) will have his Injured Reserve practice window opened this week, Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said, "most likely not," according to Jake Arthur of Sports Illustrated. Pierce has already spent the required four games on IR, but the 26-year-old is not close to a return for the struggling Colts. He aggravated his surgically-repaired left heel in the team's Week 2 overtime loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and has not played or practiced since. It is getting harder to hold the big-play wideout in shallow fantasy football leagues without a firm timetable for a return, and it is fair to wonder how effective he will be whenever he returns to the team. The former second-rounder led the NFL in yards per catch in both 2024 and 2025, but he was only able to catch five of seven targets for 72 yards and no touchdowns in his two games for the Colts this year before landing on the shelf. With tight end Tyler Warren (groin) missing the last two games, Indy has struggled to move the ball without relying on running back Jonathan Taylor. Josh Downs has been a non-factor, which has led to veteran Keenan Allen being quarterback Daniel Jones' go-to guy in recent weeks. Pierce is now rostered in under half of Yahoo leagues.
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jake Arthur
Source: Sports Illustrated - Jake Arthur
Keenan Allen has More Waiver-Wire Appeal With Teammate Injured
Indianapolis Colts veteran wide receiver Keenan Allen certainly does not have the kind of fantasy ceiling that he used to have in his prime, but he has become a more intriguing WR4/flex in deeper leagues with tight end Tyler Warren (groin) missing the last two games. Allen played just over half of the Colts' offensive snaps in Sunday's Week 7 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and caught just three passes (three targets), but he led the team with 31 receiving yards (10.3 yards per catch). In last week's loss to the division-rival Tennessee Titans, the 34-year-old caught a season-high eight passes on 11 targets for 82 yards (10.3 yards per reception). With Josh Downs struggling and Alec Pierce (heel) on Injured Reserve for the foreseeable future, Allen has become quarterback Daniel Jones' go-to option in the passing game, especially with Warren nursing a groin injury. The six-time Pro Bowler has caught 29 of his 43 targets through six games for 258 yards and one touchdown. The upside may not be there, but Allen has been consistently targeted by Jones and could once again lead the Colts in receiving in Week 8 against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars if Warren misses a third straight game.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Jonathan Taylor Stays Hot as his Future Remains Uncertain
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor does not have a 100-yard game so far in 2026, but he continues to produce as a strong RB1 for fantasy managers. In the team's 16-10 loss on the road to the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, Taylor had 18 carries for 95 yards (5.3 yards per carry) and a touchdown, adding two catches on three targets for 15 yards through the air. As usual, the 27-year-old carried Indy's struggling offense. Despite being in a struggling offense, Taylor continues to produce, going over 100 scrimmage yards four times already while scoring on the ground eight times. He has surpassed 90 rushing yards in five of seven games this year. The future of the Colts' organization is a bit murky after ownership fired long-time general manager Chris Ballard this week, with head coach Shane Steichen potentially joining him soon on the chopping block. A handful of NFL teams are reportedly interested in acquiring Taylor before the Nov. 10 trade deadline, but it is unclear if the Colts will sell the talented RB for draft assets. A move to a contending team would likely make Taylor even more dangerous in fantasy. If he remains with the Colts for Week 8, Taylor will be in search of his first 100-yard game against the division-rival Jacksonville Jaguars next Sunday.
Source: ESPN.com
Source: ESPN.com
Daniel Jones Receives Support from Coach Following Week 7 Loss
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen told reporters on Sunday that he has "a lot of faith" in quarterback Daniel Jones and isn't considering a change under center. Jones completed 13 of 22 passes for 108 yards with no touchdowns and one interception in a 16-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7, and he was sacked four times. Indianapolis is missing receivers Alec Pierce (heel) and D.J. Montgomery (groin), but Jones still has other receivers he is failing to target on a weekly basis. The Colts will face an inconsistent Jacksonville Jaguars defense their next time out, but Jones remains too risky to play in redraft leagues this season.
Source: James Boyd via X.com
Source: James Boyd via X.com
Josh Downs Disappoints in Week 7 Loss to Vikings
Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Josh Downs caught just two passes for 18 yards in a 16-10 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 7. The lackluster effort is just the latest in a non-productive fantasy season for the 25-year-old wideout. The Colts offense struggled overall against Minnesota, with quarterback Daniel Jones completing 13 of 22 pass attempts for 108 yards with no touchdowns and one interception. Keenan Allen led the receiving corps with three catches for 31 yards. Sunday's game was another reminder that Downs should not be started in fantasy leagues right now.
Source: ESPN
Source: ESPN
Peyton Manning Not a Candidate for Colts' General Manager Vacancy
Retired quarterback Peyton Manning is not expected to be a candidate for the Indianapolis Colts' general manager position, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. After the Colts fired Chris Ballard last week, it was reported that they would interview Manning for the position. That report appears to have been false, as Schefter now writes that Manning "has not trained nor aspired to become a GM in the NFL." The future Hall of Famer and former Colts star quarterback already wears plenty of hats between his personal life, his role with Omaha Productions, and a weekly Monday Night Football alternative broadcast. With that being said, interviewing Manning would not have been unprecedented. The Falcons recently named former NFL quarterback Matt Ryan their President of Football, a role with many responsibilities that would normally belong to a general manager. In the end, though, it sounds like Manning isn't in the mix to work for the Colts. Indianapolis will turn its attention to more conventional candidates as it conducts its search for a new leader to oversee football operations.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
49ers Could Pursue a Trade for DeForest Buckner
The San Francisco 49ers could "make a run" at Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner if he becomes available for trade, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. The Colts are 2-4 and continue to evaluate their options ahead of the trade deadline. They're technically second in the AFC South, but the record is less than ideal, and the organization fired general manager Chris Ballard last week. Running back Jonathan Taylor is the biggest name drawing trade speculation lately, but Buckner should also generate plenty of interest. The 32-year-old already has four sacks through six games this season, as well as three passes defended. Not only would he offer a huge boost to the undefeated 49ers' defensive front, but a trade would represent a homecoming of sorts, as Buckner spent his first four NFL seasons in San Francisco from 2016 through 2019.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Keenan Allen a Solid Wide Receiver Streamer Option in Week 7
Across five games so far in 2026, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Keenan Allen has recorded 26 catches for 227 yards and a touchdown on 40 targets. While the 34-year-old is only averaging 8.7 yards per reception, he's currently seeing eight targets per game. In Week 7, Allen and the Colts will face the fearsome Minnesota Vikings defense. With his ability to win in the short and intermediate areas, Allen could continue his role as the security blanket for Colts quarterback Daniel Jones. Additionally, Indianapolis will be without tight end Tyler Warren (groin) for the second straight week. With Warren sidelined in Week 6, Allen logged eight catches for 82 yards on 11 targets. In leagues where he remains available on the waiver wire, Allen profiles as a high-floor PPR streamer for fantasy managers in Week 7.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
Will Mallory a Risky Week 7 Streamer Against Vikings
Indianapolis Colts tight end Will Mallory is a difficult fantasy start and belongs on benches in typical 12-team leagues, even though he should remain involved against the Minnesota Vikings with Tyler Warren (groin) ruled out for a second consecutive game. Mallory returned from a thumb injury in Week 6 and led Indianapolis tight ends with 43 offensive snaps, ahead of Mo Alie-Cox (31) and Drew Ogletree (30). He drew six targets, the third-most on the team, but converted them into just two receptions for 20 yards. The matchup is the problem: Minnesota has held opposing tight ends to 16 catches for 221 yards and no touchdowns through five games, a particularly difficult challenge for an inexperienced receiving option, though his opportunity gives him some desperation-streamer appeal in deeper formats.
Source: RotoBaller
Source: RotoBaller
