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Will Colts’ Losses Create Jonathan Taylor Path to Vikings?

Posted on October 26, 2026October 26, 2026 by David Shama

The 2-5 Colts are likely underdogs in their next two games before the NFL trade deadline on November 10. The 4-2 Jaguars, hosting the Colts in Jacksonville next Sunday, are likely to beat Indianapolis and the 2-4 Cowboys could do the same the next week in Indy.

It might be that Colts management and ownership is willing to listen to trade offers for star running back Jonathan Taylor next week. A 2-6 start to the season is discouraging and perhaps prompts interest in a rebuild.

Moving on from Taylor could fit a scenario where the front office and ownership wants to unload his reported $44 million deal for 2027 and 2028 and acquire draft capital in a rebuild. After firing general manager Chris Ballard earlier this month, the Colts could encourage a new hire by offering salary cap flexibility and extra future draft choices.

Taylor, 27, is a consensus top five NFL runner. He showed his stuff yesterday at U.S. Bank Stadium when he galloped 38 yards for the Colts’ only touchdown in a 16-10 loss to the 6-0 Vikings. Drafted by the Colts in 2020, Taylor has run for over 1,000 yards in three of the past five seasons.

Vikings edge rusher Dallas Turner described the former Wisconsin All-American as right there with the best runners in the league. “Homerun speed. Real patient in the backfield,” he told Sports Headliners yesterday.

Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers said Taylor, who has a career per carry average of almost five yards, is always in the conversation among the most elite NFL backs, and the defense has to always be mindful of the 5-foot-10, 226-pound runner’s combo of speed and power.

“Yeah, you gotta be (aware),” Rodgers said. “Those type of backs you gotta be prepared (for). They can get one yard, or they can turn around and go 80. Those are the type of backs you have to prepare for at all times.”

Record setting former Gopher running back Darrell Thompson played five seasons in the NFL for the Packers. He was enthused talking about a trade that could bring Taylor to the Vikings.

Then Thompson cautioned about the cost to acquire Taylor. “It would hurt to get him. You’d have to give some things up to get him. I think he’d be a great addition to the team.”

The Vikings plausibly could offer third and sixth round future draft picks for Taylor. The deal might also include a Viking player, and a contingency that if the Purple were to win the NFC playoffs the third rounder flips to a second.

The Vikings would likely have to do some salary cap gymnastics to make Taylor’s contract work. But a lot of voices probably believe throwing an enticing package at the Colts is worth it as the Vikings move toward mid-season on the schedule as the only undefeated team in the NFL.

Week after week Minnesota is superb defensively and outstanding on special teams but mostly sputtering on offense. The Vikings have scored 125 points with 63 of them coming on field goals and extra points from kicker Will Reichard.

Vikings WR Justin Jefferson — Justin Jefferson image courtesy of Minnesota Vikings

The Vikings have struggled with both passing and running. Quarterback Kyler Murray seems to be trending in a positive direction, although he could have been intercepted a couple of times yesterday. The addition of Taylor would bring a home run threat to the running game to complement the game-breaking receiving of wide receiver Justin Jefferson.

Taylor’s presence would also be a relief for almost 32-year-old Aaron Jones Sr. who could move into a relief role. The Colts didn’t hammer away using Taylor for every possession yesterday and a one-two package of him and the hard running Jones would benefit them and the team.

The attention defenses need to give Taylor will also complement Murray and the passing game. His acquisition could bring a balance and threat to the offense that’s not in place now.

Who knows? The elusive Murray might even execute a QB pass-run option on the perimeter with Taylor. Either one could take the ball to the end zone.

So, the message to Vikings fans is to expand your scoreboard watching in the days ahead to track the Colts.

Worth Noting

Before the trade deadline the Vikings might search for defensive line and safety help.

It would be a surprise, but the Vikings could part with fourth-year receiver Jordan Addison who will be due a big salary bump next year after finishing out his rookie contract. Wide receiver is often the easiest position for any team to find immediate help in the draft.

Turner, who is tied for third among NFL sacks leaders in his third season, is fulfilling the potential forecast for him when the Vikings selected him at No. 17 in the first round of the 2024 draft. He told Sports Headliners learning from experience has been so important.

“It is a very big factor. You know what to see. Know what to expect and correct and move on from.”

Skol stat: the Vikings have given up a total of three points in the fourth quarter.

According to Next Gen Stats, the Vikings blitzed on 85.2% of the Colts’ drop backs yesterday, and that is the highest blitz rate by any defense in a game in the Next Gen Stats era (since 2016).

After yesterday the Vikings are now the third team in the past 20 seasons to allow 13-or-fewer points and 225-or-fewer yards in three consecutive games within a single season. The others are the 2019 49ers and 2009 Jets.

Vikings safety Harrison is an avid golfer and curious about the new Tepetonka Club near New London.

Radio play-by-play voice Paul Allen, who called his 500^th Vikings game yesterday, said on KFAN before kickoff his favorite was the 2009 game against the 49ers in the Metrodome when quarterback Brett Favre’s closing seconds touchdown pass to newly acquired Greg Lewis rallied Minnesota to a 27-24 win.

The Golden Gophers won back Floyd of Rosedale from Iowa on Saturday for the first time in Minneapolis since 2014. But there was no appearance by Gopher players yesterday at the Vikings game. After the unexpected win over Michigan and capturing the Little Brown Jug (first in Minneapolis since 1977) on October 10, a group of players made a cameo the next day at the Vikings-Bucs home game.

Minnesota’s Luke Drzewiecki is the Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week, the conference announced today. He was two-for-two on field goals, making his first from 31 yards and then a walk-off 46-yarder as Minnesota beat No. 15 Iowa 13-10.

The announced attendance of 53,004 Saturday was the seventh largest crowd in Huntington Bank Stadium history. The stadium, which opened in 2009, has an official capacity of 50,805.

Of the five remaining opponents on the 5-2 Gophers schedule, four are ranked in the AP top 25, with Penn State being the outlier.

Preston Nelson, Champlin Park running back and son of Minnesota TV and radio sports journalist Eric Nelson, is drawing interest from colleges including Northern Iowa. He is a breakaway back and has posted a nearly 4.0 GPA.

Former Twins star Torii Hunter has no MLB managerial experience but reportedly is interested in the Angels opening. Hunter, who also played for the Angels and is a club consultant, played for Tom Kelly, Ron Gardenhire and Paul Molitor in Minneapolis.

Here’s one writer’s opinion on the four best Twins managers in franchise history: Kelly, Billy Martin, Molitor and Derek Shelton (admittedly an impressive but small sample size of only one season).

Reserve guard Terrence Shannon Jr. scored 15 points coming off the bench last night, making five of six shots, including three-for-three on three pointers. After three games for the undefeated Timberwolves he is averaging 12.7 points per game. In his two previous seasons with Minnesota he averaged 5.6 and 4.3 (rookie year).

“I feel like the game’s slowing down for me more, paying closer attention to the scouting report, just being locked in, getting more into the ball…,” Shannon said.

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Vikings WR Jefferson in Elite NFL Historical Company

Posted on October 23, 2026October 23, 2026 by David Shama

Enjoy a Friday notes column, plus a detailed rundown on the “Moorhead Four.”

Dating back to his 2020 rookie season, Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson leads the NFL with 8,738 receiving yards. He needs three receiving yards on Sunday against the Colts to surpass Calvin Johnnson (8,740) for the third most receiving yards by a player in his first 100 NFL games.

Jefferson, who has played in 98 career games, also trails Julio Jones 9,618 and Lance Alworth (9,019).

It appears likely the 5-0 Vikings will add quality and depth to their roster via a trade in the coming days as they make a serious bid for a division title and playoff run. The NFL trade deadline is November 10. Most likely scenario is to offer future draft choices in return for help at key spots like defensive line and running back.

The Wilf family, who bought the Vikings in 2005 for a reported $600 million, now have a franchise worth $8.25 billion, per the recent valuations done of NFL teams by Forbes. That valuation is up from the 2025 figure of $6.25 billion by Forbes. The Vikings value ranks No. 23 in the 32-team league.

Gopher senior Greg Johnson was named a first team guard on The Athletics Midseason All-Americans. Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck told KFAN’s Paul Allen on Monday the Prior Lake High School alum is the “best” offensive lineman in the nation. Fleck said Johnson could be All-Big Ten at any of the five offensive line positions.

Iowa, who the Gophers face tomorrow at Huntington Bank Stadium, had two first teamers on the offensive line, tackle Trevor Lauck and guard Kade Pieper. Linebacker Cam Buffington was a second team Midseason All-American on defense.

Allen will call his 500^th regular season game on Vikings radio Sunday at U.S. Bank Stadium. The play-by-play icon will blow the Gjallarhorn prior to kickoff.

Gopher football radio play-by-play voice Mike Grimm travels with a buddy to a college football game each year when the Maroon and Gold have a bye. He attended last Saturday’s dramatic finish in Provo, Utah when BYU upset Notre Dame. Fans swarmed the field just as they have done four out of the last six years on Grimm’s trips.

No matter how the season turns out, the Timberwolves opening night beat down of the Heat in Miami Wednesday will remain memorable. The Wolves were dominant in a 131-106 win. Better offense, defense, rebounding and playmaking. Better players, better depth and better statistics.

Anthony Edwards, Timberwolves player — Anthony Edwards photo courtesy of Minnesota Timberwolves

Anthony Edwards scored 45 points after totaling 41 in the opener last season. He is only the second player in NBA history to total 40-plus in consecutive openers. Wilt Chamberlain did it four times from 1959-1962.

Former Gopher basketball player Braeden Carrington from Park Center High School, now at Wisconsin, reportedly has been granted an injunction along with other athletes to receive a fifth year of college eligibility. Carrington’s litigation was in California while the Gophers Cade Tyson’s case is being heard in Colorado, with insiders pessimistic Minnesota’s leading scorer from last season will be granted eligibility in the confusing legal battle with the NCAA taking place in various parts of the nation.

If eligible, Tyson will likely receive a seven-figure sum to play for the Gophers.

The World Series opens tonight with two budget conscious franchises. The Rays have a reported payroll of $98.3 million and the Brewers $143.5 million. The Twins is reportedly $109.5 million.

The men’s hockey Gophers are trying for two surprise wins in a row over national powerhouse North Dakota tonight at 3M Arena at Mariucci. Fans can watch on FOX9+ and streaming via B1G+ or listen to an audio broadcast through the Gopher Radio Network 103.5 FM/AM-1130 KTLK and iHeartRadio.

A four goal third period gave Minnesota its first win of the season on Thursday night. The 5-3 victory was also the first victory for Brett Larson as the Gopher coach.

Scouting “The Moorhead Four”

They’re known as the “Moorhead Four” and they have a lot to do with why week after week the undefeated Spuds are the No. 1 ranked team in Class 6A. Tonight the 7-0 Spuds host 1-6 Edina in Moorhead.

The publicity this fall has come not only from their success with Moorhead and individual performances, but also because it looks like they will be future University of Minnesota players. Quarterback Jett Feeney, wide receiver David Mack, running back Taye Reich and cornerback Zak Walker have verbally committed to Minnesota’s 2027 recruiting class.

If the foursome is on the roster next year it will be the first time anyone has been able to document that the Gophers had four players from the same high school and same class. And high school recruiting guru Ryan Burns from Gopher Gazette points out this is no package deal, where Minnesota coach P.J. Fleck took a couple of guys to make sure he got the ones he wanted most.

“I know that they’re going to be known as the “Moorhead Four,” but each one of them in their own right I think have earned the opportunity to play in the Big 10,” Burns told Sports Headliners.

Because he plays a position where college freshmen often are able to play early on in their careers, and because of his skills, Mack might be the first Spud who impacts the Gophers. Burns thinks so.

“He is the guy where he’s not gonna run very fast, but that boy knows how to get open in a phone booth. I mean, he reminds me of what Tyler Johnson (former Gopher) did so well here for so many years where…he’s not the fastest guy straight line, but he is really good at creating separation. And then once he has the ball in his hands, he’s able to make men miss in the open field and get more yards than what’s there.”

Mack leads state high school players in touchdown receptions, 20, and receiving yards, 1,028, per Google AI. He’s listed by 247Sports at 6-foot, 185-pounds.

The Spuds have a prolific offense and passing game fueled by Mack and Feeney who is coached by his dad Kevin Feeney. Listed at 6-2, 205 pounds by 247, Jett leads all Minnesota preps this year in passing yards, 2,497, and touchdowns with 35, according to Google AI.

But don’t categorize him just as a guy with a great arm. “Jett is more athletic than what I think people give him credit for,” Burns said. “Which I think you’re being able to see this year where he’s able to escape pressure, escape the pocket, (and) still got the right arm (throw)… .He’s playing really well.”

Burns said Reich can get lost a bit in the conversation about the Moorhead offense because of the buzz around the passing attack. “…But Taye is a guy that I’ve talked to coaches who’ve gone up and watched the Moorhead kids work out and they’re like he is the most impressive workout that you’ll watch of them. They don’t rush the ball a lot because they have a Big Ten quarterback.”

Listed at 5-10, 200 by 247, Reich is solidly built and has lateral and straight ahead run abilities. Although he is a north-south runner, he can be a threat in the open field, too, Burns said.

“…I think he runs through a lot more contact than what people think, and he is a very well put together kid. He’s a kid who was on Team USA baseball, so he’s quite the multi-sport athlete for the Upper Midwest. He is a very good baseball player.”

Walker, listed at 5-11, 175, is a track star and his speed makes him an enticing prospect. The Spuds also use him as a receiver.

“…He is one of the best track athletes in the state of Minnesota for the 100, 200 hundred (meters),” Burns said. “He’s a great long jumper too. …”

Burns added that Walker hasn’t “played a ton of football,” but he’s impressive. Walker’s 10.5 time in the 100 is the type of speed “that plays in any conference, but especially the Big Ten,” Burns said.

The “Moorhead Four” are part of a current seven-man group of Minnesotans who are among the 29 verbal commits the Gophers have for the class of 2027. It will be an interesting fall to follow the Spuds in the high school playoffs and then see if all four commit on paper to the Gophers during the early signing period of December 2-4.

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Ant Edwards’ Path to World’s Best Demands Elite Defense

Posted on October 18, 2026October 18, 2026 by David Shama

Anthony Edwards, 25, starts his seventh NBA regular season Wednesday night in Miami against the Heat. He remains the focal point of the Timberwolves, despite a roster shakeup that has two new starters in the lineup.

It’s an annual story now, waiting to see what improvement the Wolves superstar guard might make to elevate his status among the NBA’s best players. Authorities agree he’s one of the league’s 10 best players, but his raw talent teases with the potential to climb higher among his contemporaries and the greats of the past.

In its annual ranking of the top 100 NBA players last month ESPN.com listed Edwards at No. 7 and said in part: “Edwards averaged a career-high 28.8 points per game and again made 40% of his 3s on high volume (as he did in 2024-25) while enjoying his most efficient season overall. And while Edwards missed out on an All-NBA nod because he appeared in only 61 games, he is generally one of the sturdiest stars around, having appeared in at least 72 games in each of his previous five campaigns.”

Edwards might average 30 points or more per game this season with the addition of play maker extraordinaire LaMelo Ball (new to the lineup along with 24-year-old forward Jonathan Kuminga). One of the league’s best point guards, Ball’s passing benefited Edwards in preseason when the two quickly developed chemistry with one another.

Edwards has twice been named second-team All-NBA. Playing on a Western Conference or NBA champion team would elevate the esteem with which the 6-foot-4 scoring whiz is regarded. But probably even more of a factor is whether Edwards can become a consistent elite defender.

Wolves’ basketball executive Tim Connelly saw it that way last month when meeting with the media. “I think Ant’s best chance to be the best player in the world (is) he has to (first) be the best two-way player in the world. I think he’d be the first to tell you at times last year (that was not up to standard). Part of it was our fault. We put him in positions where he had to (do) so much offensively.

“A lot of the ballhandling stuff will be out of his hands now with a more traditional point guard next to him. But you gotta be a two-way player. He’s gotta be a leader on both ends. He’s shown the ability to be, I think, maybe the best on ball perimeter defender in the league. … He’s so strong. He’s got great instincts. He’s so competitive.

“Do we think it’s gotta be 48 minutes of elite play on both ends? Is that unrealistic? Probably, but do we think in the biggest moments that he’d be the most impactful perimeter defender in the league? Absolutely.”

What about Edwards’ playmaking? Last season he averaged 3.7 assists, the lowest since his rookie year average of 2.9.

“We’re not concerned about his playmaking and we expect our offense to be a bit more free flowing with the addition of LaMelo,” Connelly said.

No question Ball’s availability will be tied to Edwards’ success this season and beyond. The concern is availability. Since being drafted by the Hornets in 2020 (he went No. 3 overall and Edwards No. 1), he has missed a lot of games. Last season he played a near career high of 72 out of 82 games but in previous seasons the totals were 47, 22, 36, 75 and 51.

Ankle injuries have been troublesome. That’s a worrisome history for a 25-year-old, with logic suggesting lower body injuries can become more frequent and last longer as an athlete ages.

Connelly is banking on Ball continuing the trend of the 2025-2026 season. Playing most of the season, he averaged 20.2 points per game and 7.1 assists. The 6-7 veteran also averaged nearly 5 rebounds per game.

Connelly was asked if he saw a ceiling on minutes per game for Ball. “I’d hope 48. I don’t know if that’s reasonable. Everything is nuanced. …There’s nothing chronic (regarding his health).

“He’s been healthy all summer. He’s really taken his body seriously this offseason… I think our expectation of him is to play as much as possible. …When healthy he is going to make a huge impact and right now he looks fantastic.”

Worth Noting

The Golden Gophers men’s basketball team is ranked No. 42 in the KenPom preseason rankings, two spots behind the Badgers and one ahead of the Hawkeyes. https://kenpom.com/index.php

That’s the good news. The bad news is the ranking is likely based on Cade Tyson being on the roster. Word is litigation for Tyson and other athletes involved in an appeal to gain a fifth year of college competition is unlikely to be settled in their favor. Tyson led all Gopher scorers last season averaging 19.6 points per game.

Sports Headliners reader and longtime season tickets buyer Kirk Detlefsen was asked via email what the fans he knows are thinking regarding the Twins who surprised with a better-than-expected record of 77-85.

“…I do know that the attitude with many Twins fans is much different today than it was at this time last year. The few people that I talk to would still like to see the team sold, but the hatred towards the Pohlads that existed a year ago I don’t see. There definitely is a little excitement out there for the Twins’ future with some of our young talent. …

“My personal thoughts, I like Tom Pohlad. The change in leadership within the Pohlad family was the best thing that happened this year. I like what he says, and so far, he does what he says.

“With the addition of three minority partners this past year, I would really be surprised if the Pohlads were to sell the team any time soon. But as the old saying goes, ‘Everything is for sale, it’s just a matter of price.’ “

Among the Twins’ most intriguing prospects because of his youth and skills is 17-year-old Venezuelan shortstop Enmanuel Merlo who signed a reported $1.5 million contract last January. He hit .311 in the Dominican Summer League this year.

Expectations will be high regarding the 2027 performance of new Twins pitching coach Brian Reith because he comes from the Rays organization with an envied reputation for being among the most intelligent and innovative in developing pitchers. Reith, 48, was the pitching coach last season for the Triple-A Durham club.

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