The Giants aren’t the only team interested in Taylor. The Denver Broncos have also entered the sweepstakes for the Colts’ RB, as have several other teams across the NFL. Still, lost in all the noise might be the fact that Taylor is fine staying in Indianapolis for the time being.

In case that wasn’t clear enough, Taylor’s latest comments indicate that his main focus remains helping the Colts, and his mind isn’t wandering toward a move. For the time being, he remains a Colt and that’s all he can think of. The way things are looking for Indianapolis, everyone in the locker room has a lot on their plate.

Jonathan Taylor’s reaction after Week 8 loss

“It’s not going to get any easier. It’s actually going to get even harder, and teams are going to look at us even more, foaming at the mouth. So then it gets to a point of: What are you going to do? Your back’s against the wall. You have to fight your way out of the corner,” Jonathan Taylor said postgame, via ESPN’s Stephen Holder.

“That’s all I’m thinking about. For myself, but also how to convey that to the rest of the guys in the locker room. This is not getting anywhere near any easier, and we got to accept that. When you accept that, that’s just the first step.”

While the Giants heard an encouraging update on Taylor’s potential trade after Week 8, it’s plain to see the running back’s comments to the media in the locker room weren’t the most promising for the G-Men or the Broncos.

What to make of Taylor’s message

Taylor’s postgame statement is very telling. Not only because it shined a light on the running back’s frustration with the state of the Colts in the 2026 NFL season, but also because it may hint at Taylor’s future. Taylor spoke as someone who is in it for the long haul, which he is, as he’s under contract through 2028. His comments might also confirm that he won’t be traded before the NFL deadline.

However, as much as he might embrace facing adversity, Taylor would also love to join a Super Bowl contender. If one, be it the Giants, Broncos, Seahawks, or any other team, can come up with an offer that meets the Colts’ requirements, then he may not put up much resistance.

Until that happens, though, Taylor is a member of the Colts, and his mind isn’t running wild with the speculation. Instead, he’s staying focused. Taylor isn’t blind or deaf, though. He knows how big of a figure he is heading into the final week before the trade deadline. However, he knows better than to waste time on what’s out of his reach. What he can help change, on the other hand, is how the Colts are doing this season, and that’s what remains his main goal.

Key takeaways

• A 42-7 loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars prompted Jonathan Taylor’s message to Indianapolis Colts teammates.
• “This is not getting anywhere near any easier,” Jonathan Taylor told reporters after Week 8.
• Under contract through 2028, Jonathan Taylor remains committed to the Indianapolis Colts long term.

NFL insider Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post reports that Tennessee Titans veteran Tony Pollard is a prime pivot option. The Giants recently inquired about Pollard’s availability and could pounce if Taylor sweepstakes talks stall completely.

Earlier reports revealed that the NY Giants’ new interest in running back means Jonathan Taylor talks could be stalling. With Denver also aggressively pursuing Taylor, general manager Joe Schoen cannot afford to leave his backfield empty-handed.

Tony Pollard has exploded in the last two weeks

According to Pro-Football-Reference, Pollard is on fire over his past two appearances for Tennessee. Against the Cleveland Browns in Week 8, he rushed 25 times for 129 yards and three touchdowns. He also hauled in three receptions for 26 yards, carrying the offense.

Pollard followed that effort with another monster performance against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. He racked up 117 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries, averaging 5.6 yards per attempt. That two-game surge of 246 rushing yards and five scores proves he still possesses high-end burst.

Taylor is still better option, but momentum favors Pollard

Taylor undoubtedly has a superior tackle-breaking power and an elite ceiling when healthy. However, the Colts demand an exorbitant package featuring early-round draft picks to even consider parting with their franchise cornerstone. That massive asking price forces New York to weigh immediate value against long-term capital.

Pollard represents a far more realistic acquisition cost for Schoen’s front office before the deadline. Tennessee sits at 1-7 and will gladly accept mid-round compensation to clear future cap obligations. Pollard’s red-hot form and accessible price tag give him immense momentum as New York’s ultimate trade target.

Key takeaways

• Ryan Dunleavy reports Tony Pollard is a prime pivot option for New York.
• Tony Pollard rushed for 129 yards and three touchdowns against the Cleveland Browns.
• Tony Pollard generated 246 rushing yards and five scores over his last two games.

Although Taylor remains a possibility for the Giants, it’s clear there is plenty of competition, and the Colts’ asking price is anything but cheap. Whether the Giants actually go after Taylor is anyone’s guess, but a report from around the NFL hints that New York is going to make a splash, even if it’s not for Taylor.

“The NFL trade deadline is next Tuesday. The Giants are expected to be active and have already reached out to teams about big-name players,” Jordan Raanan of ESPN reported on his X account. “They currently are $6.225M under the salary cap, per NFLPA records.“

All that remains to be seen is who will come away victorious in the Taylor sweepstakes, which involves countless contenders across the NFL, and whether there will even be a winner, as the Colts and their running back insist they are fine staying together. What seems clear is that the Giants will be making noise of their own before the deadline.

Pretty much the perfect bye week in New York

Plenty of things went right for the Giants in Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season as they enjoyed their bye week. The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles both lost, and Giants fans heard Jerry Jones throw the Cowboys under the bus, which never fails to put a smile on their faces.

Moreover, New York’s 4-2-1 record on the season puts them well ahead of the rest of the NFC East. Such a clear path to the playoffs means the Giants are pretty much obligated to make a move before the deadline.

The Colts’ horrific loss in Jacksonville also adds to the pressure and could force Taylor to actually ask out of Indy. The main negative for the G-Men is that the Denver Broncos pulled off a comeback win over the Kansas City Chiefs to take first place in the AFC West.

Broncos could spoil Taylor trade for NY Giants

Why does that matter? The Broncos are one of the favorites to land Taylor via trade, and their showing that they can be serious contenders in the AFC will only add to the noise in Denver calling for the team to acquire the three-time Pro Bowl halfback. Had the Broncos lost, perhaps they would’ve had some doubts about making a blockbuster trade and would have preferred to play it conservatively.

Now, the Broncos are expected to be a player in the Taylor sweepstakes, and they have just as many assets to convince the Colts as the Giants. If there’s a sliver of hope for the G-Men, it may lie in Taylor’s hands. If the running back fancies a return to his home state of New Jersey, he might convince the Colts to send him to the Giants instead of the Broncos. Those are some very big ifs, though.

Key takeaways

• Jonathan Taylor trade rumors linked the Indianapolis Colts running back to the New York Giants.
• $6.225 million under the cap, the New York Giants contacted teams about big-name players.
• A 4-2-1 record places the New York Giants ahead in the NFC East standings.

“I will say that a lot of people let Brian (Schottenheimer) down today,” Jerry Jones stated postgame, via Jon Machota of The Athletic. “And so, for whatever criticism we want to have of Brian, we going to all get in line. That was a total team effort out there for us. We have to be better than that when we can get our hands on a win and then drop the ball.”

Jones’ message won’t cancel out the noise surrounding Schottenheimer and the growing calls for the Cowboys to move on from him. However, he did shed light on how the front office evaluates the situation, and his comments are very telling about what could happen to the head coach.

For the time being, Schottenheimer is staying off the hot seat, but life changes fast in the NFL, and he’s walking a thin line, even if Jones won’t publicly lash out at him.

Week 8 loss changes things for Cowboys

Jones is never one to mince words, especially after disappointing losses, which the Cowboys seem to collect year after year. At the end of the day, Jones is the one paying the bills in Arlington. He’s more than entitled to his opinion, and if something isn’t right, he won’t hesitate to call it out.

Jones didn’t give out any names, but fans across the NFL may find out who Dallas is most upset with in the coming days if there are sudden roster moves before the trade deadline (Nov. 10).

Cowboys crash and burn in Week 8

Fans at AT&T Stadium should have grown suspicious as the Cowboys headed into halftime with a two-possession lead and seemingly in control of the game. It’s rarely that simple for Dallas, and soon things would turn chaotic. Failing to capitalize on drives with touchdowns and settling for field goals came back to bite them.

Of course, allowing the Cardinals to score a touchdown on a last-ditch, eight-play, 80-yard drive when Arizona had no timeouts was the last straw. The Cardinals even gave the Cowboys a chance, as kicker Chad Ryland missed the extra point that would have sealed the win in regulation.

In overtime, the Cardinals punted on their opening drive, leaving Dallas with a chance to score and win the game. It was three-and-out for the Boys, giving the ball back to the Cards, and that was all she wrote. Ryland wouldn’t miss another easy kick, and there was no miracle for the self-wounded Cowboys.

Tough picture for Dallas

The Cowboys are now 3-5 on the year. With the New York Giants on a bye and either the Philadelphia Eagles or Washington Commanders set to lose as the divisional rivals meet on Sunday night, the Cowboys let a key chance to narrow the race for the NFC East title slip through their fingers.

One may say it’s still early in the 2026 NFL season, but this Week 8 defeat hurts in so many ways that it almost feels hope-crushing for Dallas.

Key takeaways

• The Dallas Cowboys lost 33-30 to the Arizona Cardinals in Week 8.
• The NFL trade deadline is Nov. 10, prompting speculation on potential Dallas Cowboys moves.
• The Dallas Cowboys fell to 3-5 following their overtime defeat against Arizona.

“I still think a deal gets done, yes,” Art Stapleton of USA Today wrote on his X account regarding New York potentially trading for Jonathan Taylor.

Taylor is signed through 2028 in Indianapolis after signing a two-year extension during the summer. Still, his frustration was visible all day long during the Colts’ loss to the Jaguars. The writing on the wall is starting to show, and with the 2026 NFL trade deadline looming, a decision feels imminent. That’s true for both Taylor and the Giants.

Week 8 was a huge success for NY Giants

New York enjoyed some time off during Halloween but still tuned in Sunday to watch key games around the NFL. Thanks to the Dallas Cowboys’ loss to the Arizona Cardinals, the path to the NFC East title is even clearer now for the G-Men. That wasn’t the only positive news for Big Blue, though.

New York watched the Colts get dismantled by the Jacksonville Jaguars, which may change Taylor’s mind about wanting to stay in Indianapolis. The Horseshoe is heading nowhere and doesn’t even own its first-round pick in the 2027 NFL Draft. While there were questions about whether Taylor would play against the Jaguars, he did, as the Colts sent a message by not sidelining him amid the loud trade buzz.

Taylor couldn’t get much going against the tough Jags defense, and his team was in for a disheartening afternoon in Florida. Everything went the Giants’ way, as well as that of every other suitor for Taylor, as he escaped the outing unscathed. The Colts are down to 2-6, and even if they don’t want to, trading Taylor while his value is sky-high makes too much sense.

NY Giants pressured to make a deadline move

For the Giants, with the rest of the division crumbling and a clear path to the playoffs opening up ahead of them, making a splash before the trade deadline is becoming very appealing—and somewhat mandatory.

The Giants are finally in a contending position in the NFL. This is what they’ve been after for so many years. All that remains to be seen is whether they will actually pull the trigger this time or get cold feet.

Key takeaways

• USA Today’s Art Stapleton reported that a New York Giants trade for Jonathan Taylor remains likely.
• Jonathan Taylor is signed through 2028 with the Indianapolis Colts after a summer extension.
• The Indianapolis Colts fell to 2-6 after the loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The team officially placed Hurts on Injured Reserve (IR) ahead of Week 6, confirming that backup quarterback Tanner McKee will continue taking the first-team snaps under center.

Hurts is still recovering from a serious medical diagnosis involving blood clots. Medical evaluations revealed that blood clots originated in his left calf and subsequently traveled to his lungs (pulmonary embolism), requiring immediate blood thinner therapy and long-term rest.

Jalen Hurts’ situation

Because athletes on blood-thinning medication cannot participate in contact sports due to internal bleeding risks, medical specialists and ESPN’s Adam Schefter report that Hurts is expected to miss the remainder of the 2026 NFL season.

The medical issue stemmed from a routine football play during Philadelphia’s Week 5 contest against the Los Angeles Rams, where Hurts sustained deep tissue trauma after taking a cleat to his left calf.

While the diagnosis effectively ends Hurts’ 2026 campaign, medical professionals emphasize that the long-term prognosis for his career remains fully positive. With proper medical treatment and anticoagulation therapy, doctors anticipate Hurts will make a complete recovery in time for offseason activities ahead of the 2027 season.

In the interim, head coach Nick Sirianni and the Eagles’ offense must navigate the remainder of the schedule relying on Tanner McKee, attempting to stay afloat in a competitive NFC East race.

Key takeaways

• Jalen Hurts is out today after being diagnosed with blood clots in his calf and lungs.
• Medical protocol regarding blood thinners is expected to keep Hurts sidelined for the rest of the 2026 season.
• Tanner McKee starts at quarterback for Philadelphia against Washington in Week 8.

Jayden Daniels continues to guide an explosive unit that keeps Washington firmly in the divisional race. In sharp contrast, the Eagles must navigate this pivotal matchup relying entirely on their backup quarterbacks. Franchise star Jalen Hurts sits on injured reserve, leaving head coach Nick Sirianni scrambling for stability. Injuries have battered Philadelphia’s offense across multiple key positions this week.

Besides the quarterback void, fans also wonder why DeVonta Smith isn’t playing today for the Eagles vs Commanders in Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season. That combined absence forces the Eagles to lean heavily on untested personnel against a division rival. Washington intends to capitalize on Philadelphia’s sudden roster vulnerability.

Commanders QB depth chart vs Eagles

Jayden Daniels leads the depth chart as Washington’s undisputed starting quarterback. His dual-threat playmaking and accurate downfield passing remain the engine of Washington’s aerial attack. Daniels gives Washington a distinct advantage over Philadelphia’s depleted secondary.

Veteran Marcus Mariota operates as the primary QB2 behind Daniels. Mariota brings extensive starting experience, providing dependable insurance if Daniels ever needs to miss snaps. Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis dresses as Washington’s emergency QB3.

Eagles QB depth chart vs Commanders

Tanner McKee starts under center for Philadelphia while Hurts recovers from his medical condition. McKee earned the nod after climbing the depth chart during the early weeks of the season.

Rookie dual-threat passer Cole Payton serves as Philadelphia’s primary backup behind McKee. Payton offers athletic packages if the coaching staff seeks a spark on short-yardage downs. Meanwhile, mid-season addition Joe Milton III suits up as the emergency QB3 on the active gameday roster.

Key takeaways

• Jayden Daniels steers Washington’s offense as starting quarterback against the Philadelphia Eagles.
• Jalen Hurts sits on injured reserve, forcing Philadelphia to rely on backup quarterbacks.
• Tanner McKee starts under center for Philadelphia while Jalen Hurts recovers.

Brissett struggled mightily against Dallas’ aggressive defense, completing just 10 of 23 passes for 119 yards and one interception. Arizona generated only 130 total yards on seven possessions under his guidance and went 0-for-2 in the red zone.

With the Cardinals trailing 17-3, the coaching staff turned to veteran backup Gardner Minshew II to spark the offense. Minshew provided an immediate jolt, completing a pass to Devin Duvernay before Tyler Allgeier broke free for a 63-yard touchdown run two plays later.

Brissett might have lost his starting spot

Sunday’s benching puts Brissett’s status as Arizona’s QB1 in serious jeopardy for the remainder of the season. Arizona entered Week 8 with a 2-5 record while scoring just 16 points against Denver the previous week. Continued sluggish starts have tested the patience of the Cardinals’ offensive staff.

If Minshew rallies Arizona down the stretch against the Cowboys, the coaching staff will face immense pressure to keep him under center. Brissett’s inability to sustain drives or capitalize in scoring territory could relegate him to backup duties moving forward.

Minshew is a more dynamic QB than Brissett

While Brissett operates as a traditional, cautious pocket passer, Minshew brings an unpredictable, gunslinger mentality. He improvises outside the structure of the play and willing takes calculated shots into tight coverage windows.

That aggressiveness immediately changes how opposing defensive secondaries defend Arizona’s receiving weapons. Minshew’s quick release and dynamic energy give the Cardinals a necessary spark that Brissett failed to deliver all afternoon.

Key takeaways

• Jonathan Gannon benched starter Jacoby Brissett with 1:35 left in the third quarter.
• Jacoby Brissett completed 10 of 23 passes for 119 yards and an interception.
• Tyler Allgeier broke free for a 63-yard touchdown run after Gardner Minshew entered.

While trade rumors surround active roster targets like Brian Thomas Jr. and Josh Downs, one of the most explosive wide receivers in modern NFL history remains completely open to sign with any franchise instantly.

Tyreek Hill is available for all NFL teams. Following his release from the Miami Dolphins earlier this year, the 32-year-old eight-time Pro Bowler is an unrestricted free agent.

Tyreek Hill could be crucial for NFL contenders

Unlike player acquisitions via trade, acquiring Tyreek Hill requires no draft capital compensation—only a mutually agreed-upon contract. However, despite relentless league-wide interest, Hill remains unsigned as the second half of the regular season gets underway.

The primary obstacle preventing a deal is not a lack of interest, but rather the ongoing evaluation of Hill’s physical recovery. Hill suffered a catastrophic left knee injury—including a dislocation and multiple torn ligaments—during Week 4 of the 2025 season with Miami. After undergoing two major surgical procedures, his rehabilitation process has dragged well into the 2026 campaign.

While Hill’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has provided consistent updates assuring that “a deal could happen at any time” with a top contender, front offices maintain a cautious, measured approach.

Acquiring front offices want definitive, 100% medical clearance and private workout sessions before committing contract space to a receiver whose elite game relies heavily on top-end burst.

Because Hill’s immediate game shape remains uncertain, teams seeking wide receiver help have concentrated their initial trade deadline efforts on active targets like Brian Thomas Jr. (Jaguars) or Josh Downs (Colts).

Rosenhaus continues to seek a fair contract structure that reflects Hill’s championship caliber, creating complex negotiations for mid-season salary caps. While teams proceed carefully, a fully healthy Tyreek Hill represents an unmatched wildcard for playoff contenders.

Key takeaways

• Tyreek Hill is an unrestricted free agent available to be signed by any NFL team without draft pick compensation.
• Lingering health evaluations from his 2025 multi-ligament knee surgery have delayed his return to an NFL roster.
• While trade talk centers on active roster receivers, a healthy Hill remains the premier free-agent weapon for Super Bowl contenders.

Following lingering injury concerns that kept him sidelined throughout October, star wide receiver Rashee Rice has officially shed his injury designation and will suit up on Sunday afternoon.

Rice initially suffered a right hamstring strain—with minor knee discomfort also in the mix—during Kansas City’s Week 4 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. After progressing through limited practice reps on Wednesday and Thursday, the WR was upgraded to a full practice participant on Friday clearing the final physical hurdle to play.

Rashee Rice finally returns with Chiefs

Rashee Rice carries no injury designation status and will play at wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs today against the Denver Broncos in Week 8. The return comes at an optimal time for head coach Andy Reid and quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

Kansas City enters Week 8 holding a 5-1 record atop the division, looking to rebound from a tough Week 7 loss in Seattle and complete a season sweep over Denver following their Week 1 victory.

Prior to his Week 4 injury, Rice established himself as Mahomes’ most targeted playmaker, leading the team in receptions and yards after the catch. His return unlocks key tactical advantages for the Chiefs against Denver’s secondary.

Rice excels at turning short underneath routes into explosive gains, giving Kansas City an immediate solution against Denver’s aggressive pass rush. With Rice back on the field, opposing defenses can no longer bracket Travis Kelce exclusively inside the 20-yard line, restoring Kansas City’s red-zone efficiency.

Key takeaways

• Rashee Rice has no injury designation and is expected to play today against the Denver Broncos.
• After managing a right hamstring strain since Week 4, Rice logged a full practice session on Friday to confirm his availability.
• At 5-1, Kansas City gets their top wide receiver back as they aim to solidify their lead in the AFC West standings.

Henderson first appeared on Thursday’s injury report with the sickness and could not practice on Friday. The medical staff decided holding him out provides the safest path toward a full recovery. Therefore, Henderson won’t suit up vs Dolphins.

His absence adds to New England’s growing offensive concerns ahead of kickoff in South Florida. Fans also wonder why AJ Brown isn’t playing for the Patriots vs Dolphins in Week 8 of the 2026 NFL season, leaving the offense shorthanded across multiple positions.

The Patriots still have Rhamondre Stevenson vs Dolphins

Fortunately for head coach Jerod Mayo, veteran running back Rhamondre Stevenson remains fully prepared to anchor the backfield. Stevenson leads New England with 285 rushing yards this NFL season and commands heavy early-down touches. His bruising running style creates physical push between the tackles against a vulnerable Miami defense.

Miami ranks among the league’s weaker units against the run, offering Stevenson room to establish tempo. With Henderson unavailable, rookie backup Corey Kiner will serve as Stevenson’s change-of-pace replacement on third downs. Stevenson should see his heaviest touch volume of the campaign as New England controls clock.

Henderson has failed to capture the RB1 spot

Henderson entered his sophomore season aiming to bench Stevenson, and become the primary weapon in the backfield. However, persistent inconsistency and minor injuries have relegated the former Ohio State star to rotational duty. He missed the season opener with an ankle sprain and has struggled to string together productive performances.

Through six appearances this year, Henderson has managed just 203 rushing yards and one touchdown on 52 carries. He averages a modest 3.9 yards per attempt and saw only three carries last week in Chicago. Stevenson continues to hold a firm grip on the starting job while Henderson works to earn trust.

Key takeaways

• TreVeyon Henderson was ruled out against the Dolphins due to an acute illness.
• Rhamondre Stevenson leads New England with 285 rushing yards this season.
• TreVeyon Henderson has managed 203 rushing yards and one touchdown through six appearances.