Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen said Tuesday that running back Jonathan Taylor will continue in his normal role for Week 9 against the Dallas Cowboys, even as multiple teams have expressed trade interest in him.
Taylor played 38 snaps in Indianapolis’ 42-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The Colts are 2-6.
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“There’s a lot of speculation right now,” Steichen said. “He’s part of our team and is motivated to play and help us win this week.”
The Colts are undergoing organizational change: general manager Chris Ballard was fired last month, and offensive guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner were traded last week. Receiver Josh Downs has requested a trade but played Sunday and is expected to play against Dallas.
“I’m focused on what’s in front of me,” Downs said Wednesday. “We face Dallas this week. We’re practicing today. Our goal is to win.”
Steichen referenced the Arizona Cardinals’ decision to sit Marvin Harrison Jr. after agreeing to a trade with the Houston Texans. He said the Colts have not discussed limiting Taylor’s playing time or altering his role.
“Teams call at this point in the season — it’s standard procedure,” Steichen said. “But our expectation is professionalism and preparation every day.”
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