Reggie Wayne, Colts wide receivers coach and franchise legend, just dropped a bomb on social media, joking that he might have to return as a player-coach. Why the sudden call to action from a Hall of Fame-caliber receiver approaching 48? Because the 2-7 Colts went full fire sale before Tuesday’s 4 p.m. ET trade deadline, dealing away wideouts Keenan Allen and Josh Downs.
The Colts’ Massive Trade Deadline Fire Sale
Indianapolis, sitting at a brutal 2-7 record, really cleaned house. They sent Keenan Allen to the San Francisco 49ers, picking up a sixth-round draft pick in return. Then, they shipped Josh Downs, along with a seventh-rounder, to the Kansas City Chiefs for fourth- and fifth-round selections. This wasn’t the first time the Colts dealt away major talent this season either. They previously traded left guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. Running back Jonathan Taylor was constantly in trade rumors, but he ended up staying put. It is a full-blown roster reset, and the message is clear.
Could Reggie Wayne Actually Suit Up?
Wayne’s joke about playing again hits different when you look at his incredible resume. He starred for the Colts from 2001 to 2014, racking up 1,070 catches for 14,345 yards and 82 touchdowns over his 14-year career. He is a six-time Pro Bowler and a three-time All-Pro, with one First Team and two Second Team selections. He even had eight 1,000-yard seasons, including a career- and NFL-high 1,510 yards in 2007. Wayne turns 48 years old on November 17, but here is the wild part: if he actually suited up this year, he wouldn’t even be the oldest player ever. That honor belongs to NFL legend George Blanda, who threw three passes for the Oakland Raiders at 48 years, three months, and four days back on December 21, 1975. While a player-coach comeback sounds like a dream, Wayne certainly has his work cut out for him coaching up the remaining wideouts on the active roster, who are about to see a lot heavier usage: Deion Burks, Ashton Dulin, Anthony Gould, Laquon Treadwell, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. Plus, Alec Pierce is on injured reserve, unfortunately, with a re-injury of a left heel/ankle issue.
With the trade deadline chaos done, the Colts are now left to navigate the final eight weeks of the season with a drastically different wide receiver group. All eyes will be on how these remaining receivers step up, and if Wayne’s coaching can light a fire under them in the challenging weeks ahead.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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