Stampede Blue
An Indianapolis Colts blog
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Colts reportedly re-sign breakout young defensive tackle to contract extension
The Indianapolis Colts have locked up breakout defensive tackle Adetomiwa "Ade" Adebawore on a two‑year, $35 million extension that includes a $13 million signing bonus and $22.5 million in new money through 2027. The 25‑year‑old, a 2023 fourth‑round pick, posted a surge in his second season with 19 tackles, 4 for loss, 4 sacks, 16 quarterback pressures and 2 passes defensed in just eight games (two starts). His rise coincides with the Colts trading veteran DT DeForest Buckner, making Adebawore a full‑time starter and a core piece of Indianapolis’ defensive rebuild.
Where will Jonathan Taylor land? Breaking down the Colts’ most likely trade partners
The Indianapolis Colts, now 2-6 after a 42-7 loss to Jacksonville, are weighing a blockbuster trade for star running back Jonathan Taylor. Reports from ESPN and NFL Network list the Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks, New York Giants, Green Bay Packers and Cincinnati as possible suitors, with a deadline of Nov. 10. Indianapolis appears to demand a first‑round pick—comparable to the package Carolina paid for Christian McCaffrey—plus additional assets, despite Taylor’s $34 million salary and age 28 next season. While Denver leads the AFC West (6-2) and has rookie Jonah Coleman emerging, the team may hesitate to surrender premium draft capital. The article breaks down each contender’s fit and the author’s 15% chance that Taylor lands in Denver.
At 2-6, why is Shane Steichen sticking with Daniel Jones?
Colts head coach Shane Steichen defends keeping Daniel Jones as the starter despite a 2-6 record and a 42-7 loss in Jacksonville. Jones is posting career‑low numbers—60% completion, 68.7 passer rating, five TDs to nine INTs in eight games—yet Steichen cites his grasp of the offense and preparation as reasons to stick with him. Critics argue rookie Anthony Richardson, who is 8‑7 in 15 starts, deserves a chance, especially as Indianapolis trades away All‑Pros Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner and faces a bleak playoff outlook. The article questions the double standard in quarterback accountability as the Colts head toward a potential rebuild.
Horsepower or Horseplay? Individual highlights from Week 8’s blowout loss at Jacksonville
The Indianapolis Colts suffer a crushing 42-7 defeat at Jacksonville on Nov. 1, extending their winless run in Duval County since 2014. Rookie linebacker CJ Allen shines in his first start with a team‑high 10 tackles, a sack and a QB hit, offering a bright spot for the rebuilding squad. Wide receiver Josh Downs catches the lone Colts touchdown but, after requesting a trade, appears disengaged and even fumbles on a trick play. Tight end Tyler Warren records just 18 yards on four catches, and a Daniel Jones interception leads to a 92‑yard pick‑six by Jaguars safety Rayuan Lane III. Veteran defenders, including safety Cam Bynum, finish the game with negligible impact, highlighting deeper issues on Indianapolis’s defense.
That performance from the Colts was as bad as it gets
The Indianapolis Colts delivered their worst performance of the season, trailing the Jacksonville Jaguars 28-0 at halftime and ultimately collapsing in a humiliating loss. A fumble and a pick-six set the tone, while wideout Tyler Warren managed only 18 yards on ten targets. Quarterback Daniel Jones limped to 144 passing yards before Anthony Richardson entered late, but the defense's poor tackling and coverage left the team looking hopeless. Owner Chris Ballard now faces a roster in shambles, no first‑round pick, and speculation about a quarterback change as the franchise searches for a rebuild.
Which Colts players should still matter by 2029?
After a 42-7 loss to the Jaguars leaves the Colts 2-6 and their GM fired, the franchise faces a multi‑year rebuild. The blog projects the team's first realistic contention window to 2029 and evaluates which current roster players could still be contributors then. Cornerback Sauce Gardner (age 29 in 2029) and tight end Tyler Warren (age 27) are flagged as core starters, while left tackle Bernhard Raimann (age 32) and wide receiver Alec Pierce (age 29) are deemed reliable pieces through their extensions. The analysis categorizes 50 players into five groups based on age, contracts, and development potential.
Colts hit rock bottom in humiliating 12th straight road loss to Jaguars
The Indianapolis Colts endure their 12th straight road loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, falling 42-7 at EverBank Stadium on November 1, 2026. quarterback Daniel Jones is benched in garbage time as the offense sputters, with star running back Jonathan Taylor limited to 23 yards on eight carries. Jacksonville dominates early, scoring four first‑half touchdowns—including a 92‑yard pick‑six by Rayuan Lane III—and adds two more in the second half. The lone Colts score comes in the third quarter via a Josh Downs touchdown, but the defeat extends a winless streak in Jacksonville dating back to 2014.
Indianapolis Colts discussion: Week 8 live chat during the Jaguars game
The Stampede Blue live‑chat thread previews Week 8 as the Indianapolis Colts travel to Jacksonville to face the top‑seeded Jaguars at 1:00 p.m. EST. After a bruising loss to the Vikings and the trade of franchise staples Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner, the Colts look to rookie left guard Jalen Farmer and defensive stand‑outs C.J. Allen and Adetomiwa Adebawore for sparks. The author predicts a 26‑13 Jaguars win and urges fans to join the discussion on the SB Nation app for smoother commenting.
What to Watch for: Colts at Jaguars for Week 8
The Indianapolis Colts (2-5) head to Jacksonville to face the 4-2 Jaguars on Sunday at 1 PM EST, a road test the Colts haven’t won since 2014. Despite trading veteran linemen DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson, Indianapolis still boasts the league’s 20th‑ranked offense (22.0 ppg) while allowing 25.7 ppg. Jacksonville counters with the 8th‑best scoring offense (25.7 ppg) and the 3rd‑best defense (17.3 ppg). Key injuries include Colts WR Anthony Gould (out) and CB Justin Walley (out); Jaguars WR Jakobi Meyers is questionable. The game airs on CBS with local radio coverage and is expected to be rainy with temperatures near 78°F.
5 Questions with Big Cat Country: A New Era?
In a Week 8 preview, Colts beat writer Gus Logue chats with Stampede Blue about the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 4‑2 AFC South standing. He says Jacksonville is a top‑10 team but needs better trench play after left tackle Anton Harrison’s season‑ending knee injury, and likely will target safety depth at the trade deadline. Logue highlights the Jaguars’ vulnerable secondary—safety Antonio Johnson is out, and Eric Murray and Caleb Ransaw are sidelined—suggesting opponents attack the middle and avoid targeting #12. He also flags rookie receiver Josh Cameron and cornerback Buster Brown as players to watch.
Colts RB Jonathan Taylor reportedly available but would take ‘premium’ to move him
NFL Insider Tom Pelissero reports that the Indianapolis Colts are fielding trade interest for running back Jonathan Taylor, but the franchise demands a premium return. The Colts turned down a 2027 second‑round pick plus an extra pick, signaling they hope for at least a first‑rounder—similar to the package the Panthers paid for Christian McCaffrey in 2022. Taylor, 27, is the team's 2nd‑all‑time rusher (8,185 yards, 77 TDs) and just signed a two‑year, $44 million extension. He currently totals 587 yards and eight touchdowns on 140 carries (4.2 YPC) in a 2‑5 season. Supects include the Bengals, Broncos, Packers, Vikings and Patriots, but Indianapolis says any offer must “blow them away.”
The price for Jonathan Taylor: 1st round pick + Defensive Tackle
The Indianapolis Colts are fielding trade offers for star running back Jonathan Taylor, the 2025 NFL leader in total scrimmage touchdowns, but have set a steep price: a 2027 or 2028 first‑round pick plus a promising defensive tackle. The team rejected a 2027 second‑rounder and another pick, signaling they want premium compensation before Taylor potentially breaks the franchise rushing yard record. Potential DT targets include Vikings rookie "Big Citrus" Orange, Packers’ Chris McClelan, and Giants’ Darius Alexander, all on rookie contracts. The Colts aim to bolster their interior defense while deciding whether a deal meets their rebuilding timeline.
Indianapolis Colts Injury Report: Who’s In and Who’s Out Week 8
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.
The Colts have gotten off the merry-go-round and onto the roller coaster.
The Indianapolis Colts are leaving the stagnant Ballard era for a volatile new chapter, likened to a roller‑coaster plunge. With a fresh GM on the horizon and uncertain free‑agency and draft strategies, fans should brace for dramatic ups and downs. Key uncertainties include the future of QB Andy Reich (AR), potential staff cuts, and the fate of veterans like Steichen, Lou, and JT. The WR corps looks thin after Downs' departure, while the offensive line struggles persist. The article warns that the upcoming season will be a test of patience as the franchise rebuilds its roster and identity.
Should the Colts trade Jonathan Taylor?
The Indianapolis Colts are weighing a potential trade of star running back Jonathan Taylor amid a reported fire‑sale and rebuild. The team reportedly wants at least a first‑round pick, but Taylor’s value is uncertain after a down year and the league’s shifting view of the running back position. While he remains a key leader and could aid a rookie quarterback, trading him could net valuable draft capital or leave the franchise without its last marquee name. The article dissects the risk‑vs‑reward of any deal and what it could mean for Indianapolis’ future.
Colts RB Jonathan Taylor is the last longstanding veteran pillar remaining, for now
Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, the franchise’s last veteran cornerstone after the trades of Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner, says he has not requested a trade but admits his future is uncertain. At 27, Taylor boasts 1,691 NFL carries and remains a key figure in Indianapolis’ rebuilding plan under owner Carlie Irsay‑Gordon. The team may consider moving him for a high draft haul—likely a first‑round pick—before the November 10 trade deadline, though they also value his leadership for young players.
Colts reportedly have no intention of trading breakout young defensive tackle
The Indianapolis Colts are set to keep breakout defensive tackle Ade Adebawore despite trade interest, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. The 25‑year‑old, a 2023 fourth‑round pick, steps into a full‑time role after veteran DeForest Buckner’s exit and has already posted 4 sacks, 17 tackles and 15 QB pressures in just seven games this season. As he approaches free agency, Indy plans to extend him, leveraging ample 2027 cap space of $61.9 million to lock up the young, athletic 6‑2", 282‑lb pass‑rusher.
Colts make roster moves, include release of veteran linebacker from practice squad
The Indianapolis Colts reshuffle their roster, adding 6'8" offensive tackle Charlie Heck to the 53-man roster and signing guard Joshua Gray to the practice squad. Veteran linebacker Germaine Pratt, who stepped in for injured rookies in Week 7 and recorded three tackles in the loss to Minnesota, is released from the practice squad. Heck, a 2020 fourth‑round pick with 67 NFL games and 29 starts, joins after stints with several teams. Gray, a 2025 undrafted rookie and former 3× All‑Pac‑12 tackle from Oregon State, also gets a spot. Additionally, the Colts promote cornerback Kenneth Harris and place Cam Taylor‑Britt on IR with a groin strain.
Early Colts 2027 Offseason Primer
The Indianapolis Colts enter a full rebuild after the Chris Ballard era, with a new GM and possibly a new head coach for 2027. The team holds ten 2027 draft picks—including second‑through seventh‑round selections and compensatory slots—but lost its first‑rounder to the Jets. Key trade targets include WR Josh Downs, whose request could net a third‑round pick, and veteran NT Grover Stewart for a late‑round pick. The biggest asset is RB Jonathan Taylor, who hasn’t requested a trade but could bring a second‑ and third‑round return similar to Christian McCaffrey’s deal. The Colts plan to develop young talent, bottom out in 2027, and aim for a top QB pick in the 2028 draft.
Indianapolis Colts Injury Report: Week 8 Thursday
The Indianapolis Colts released their Week 8 injury report ahead of the Thursday showdown with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Linebacker Bryce Boettcher (groin) likely misses his second straight game, with CJ Allen expected to start at Mike and Akeem Davis‑Gaither shifting to Will. Cornerback Sauce Gardner returns to full practice after a calf injury, while rookie Kicker Justin Walley (knee) sits out, opening a potential debut for waiver claim Kapena Gushiken. Guard Matt Goncalves (ankle), WR Anthony Gould (concussion) and DT Tim Smith (ankle) all practiced fully after limited action. Tight end Tyler Warren (groin) and RB Drew Ogletree (knee) remain questionable, with Friday’s practice deciding their Sunday status.
Stampede Blue Reacts results (Week 8): Colts fan confidence plummets amid roster overhaul
A new SB Nation Reacts poll shows Indianapolis Colts fan confidence sinking to just 31 percent—down 16 points from last week—after a 16-10 loss to the Vikings left the team 2-5 and on a three‑game skid. Optimism sparked by GM Chris Ballard’s firing fades as head coach Shane Steichen struggles with Daniel Jones, and the franchise trades Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson to Seattle and DT DeForest Buckner to San Francisco for mid‑round 2027‑2028 picks. With the loss of two cornerstone veterans and WR Josh Downs reportedly seeking a trade, the Colts’ rebuild accelerates despite lacking a 2027 first‑round pick after the Sauce Gardner deal. Fans now demand a clear, actionable plan before the November trade deadline.
How much is Josh Downs worth on the trade market?
Wide receiver Josh Downs has reportedly asked the Indianapolis Colts for a trade ahead of the Nov. 10 deadline, sparking speculation on his market value. The 25‑year‑old, a 2023 third‑round pick, posted 68 catches for 771 yards in his rookie year, improved to 72 receptions for 803 yards in 2024, and leads the 2026 Colts with 307 yards on 26 catches in seven games. While his quickness and slot‑receiver skills make him a reliable third‑down option, he has never topped 1,000 yards in a season. Comparisons to Jakobi Meyers’ 2025 trade—who fetched a fourth‑ and sixth‑round pick—suggest Downs could fetch similar mid‑round draft compensation, though his younger age may boost his appeal to contenders.
Indianapolis Colts Injury Report: Week 8 Wednesday
The Colts released their Week 8 Wednesday injury report, noting that the walk‑through practice only provides an estimate of player participation. Linebacker CJ Allen (ankle) and veteran Akeem Davis‑Gaither (hand) were full participants, while rookie Bryce Boettcher (groin) missed practice and likely sits out another week. Cornerback Justin Walley (knee) missed the walk‑through after a game‑time decision on Sunday, whereas Sauce Gardner (calf) returned in a limited capacity after missing two games. Tight ends Drew Ogletree (knee) and Tyler Warren (groin) were limited, and right guard Matt Goncalves (ankle) also saw limited action, now stepping up as the most experienced guard after Nelson’s trade.
Colts slot wideout Josh Downs reportedly requests trade from Indianapolis
Colts slot receiver Josh Downs has reportedly asked for a trade, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, amid Indianapolis’ recent fire‑sale that sent DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson to other teams. Downs, a 2023 third‑round pick and 25‑year‑old pending free agent, posted a non‑committal response at a post‑practice media session, saying he’s “open to whatever comes my way.” He’s recorded 26 catches for 307 yards in seven games this season and adds punt‑return value. With the Colts likely to change quarterbacks again in 2027, Downs and his agent may be looking for a fresh start with a stable QB situation, drawing interest from clubs like the Chiefs and Rams.
Colts’ Week 7 QB Analysis: What a Difference a Year Makes
In Week 7, Colts quarterback Daniel Jones plummets to 30th out of 32 starters in EPA efficiency, a stark reversal from his top‑10 ranking a year ago. Facing Minnesota’s league‑best pass rush, Jones endures four sacks, a 2.6‑yard per play average, and finishes last in yards per attempt, completions, and YAC. While the run game provides the lone touchdown, Jones records zero passing TDs, a high turnover rate, and a dismal 32nd‑place yardage efficiency. The analysis, powered by nflFastR and PFF data, highlights how pressure and poor decision‑making have turned the Colts’ passing attack into one of the NFL’s worst.
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