The Indianapolis Colts could face a challenging conclusion to the 2026 season following several major player departures ahead of the trade deadline, according to Yahoo Sports.
Carlie Irsay-Gordon recouped draft picks for the franchise, but the moves left the roster depleted of star quality for the final stretch.
Josh Downs and Keenan Allen both departed from the wide receiver room, prompting wide receivers coach Reggie Wayne to voice his frustration online, Yahoo Sports reported.
Wayne shared a photo of his cleats on X with a sarcastic remark questioning if a player-coach role has ever happened before, as detailed by Yahoo Sports.
The remarks drew criticism from former players who expressed surprise that the 47-year-old coach publicly questioned organizational leadership decisions, per Yahoo Sports.
Jarvis Landry suggested on the 4 and South podcast that Wayne might need to issue an apology to the owner, Yahoo Sports reported.
“For him to say that as the wide receiver coach, Carlie probably, ‘Hey, Reggie, can you come to my office?’” Landry said on the podcast, as cited by Yahoo Sports.
Landry added that the comments would likely be documented by the front office, Yahoo Sports noted.
With Alex Pierce already on injured reserve, losing Allen and Downs represents a significant blow to the receiving corps, according to Yahoo Sports.
Wayne addressed the media on Thursday to emphasize that remaining players now have an opportunity to step up, Yahoo Sports reported.
“Think about Anthony Gould: he’s been waiting for this opportunity since he got here,” Wayne stated, per Yahoo Sports.
“Now’s time to shine. And Trey, get more targets, right? Deion Burks, let’s roll,” Wayne added, according to Yahoo Sports.
Meanwhile, other unrelated NFL developments made headlines, including Jameis Winston’s viral moment during a Giants loss, reported Yahoo Sports.
Frustrated New York fans also chanted to fire their offensive coordinator after a late defeat against Washington, noted Yahoo Sports.
Additionally, analyses explored how Josh Downs might help create the best version of Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City, according to Yahoo Sports.