Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor made headlines Wednesday. No, the Colts haven’t agreed to trade the All-Pro back in a blockbuster deal. Instead, Indianapolis officially opened the 21-day practice period for Taylor, who has been on the Physically Unable to Perform list with an ankle injury.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter was the first to report the news.
Colts officially have opened the 21-day practice period for RB Jonathan Taylor, who has been on the Physically Unable to Perform List due to an ankle injury. Taylor is now healthy.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 4, 2023
Taylor had been on the PUP list since the start of training camp after offseason ankle surgery. Now, he’s back at practice on Wednesday, though his status for Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans remains up in the air.
Taylor and the Colts have been at odds over the former’s contract. The former Wisconsin Badgers star wants to be paid more than he is especially after his productive 2021 season. Taylor led the NFL in several categories that year, including rushing yards and touchdowns. But after an injury-riddled 2022, skepticism clearly emerged.
Speketicsm on whether he gets traded has emerged as well. But perhaps now that he’s back healthy the likelihood of Taylor getting traded has increased. The Miami Dolphins and Green Bay Packers, among several others, reportedly expressed interest in acquiring Taylor.
The NFL world was quick to react to the major update on Taylor.
Remember: Shane Steichen did not rule out JT playing Sunday. He can be activated to active 53-man roster any time these next 21 days beginning today. @WTHRcom https://t.co/KzBk1FDg1C
— Dominic Miranda (@DomMirandaTV) October 4, 2023
Don’t forget…
Jonathan Taylor won the rushing triple crown outright in his last healthy season (2021).
The only other players to do that since the 1970 merger are Derrick Henry (2020), Shaun Alexander (2005), Emmitt Smith (1995), Walter Payton (1977)…#ForTheShoe @Colts https://t.co/qHzYMU1Rb9
— Tony Holzman-Escareno (@FrontOfficeNFL) October 4, 2023
Both indicate that Taylor passed his physical. Positive sign for a six-week rehab that took six months. https://t.co/WCQVgTf5QY
— Will Carroll (@injuryexpert) October 4, 2023
“now healthy” https://t.co/OQZNt8FZG7
— Adam Wren (@adamwren) October 4, 2023
(Translation: “You want your money? You have to come get it.”) https://t.co/6qQcRVh2hP
— Ⓜ️ichael Whitlow (@couldbelikemike) October 4, 2023
Clock starts ticking today. Team has to decide JT's status – adding to active roster – in 21 days. Shane Steichen didn't rule out JT playing Sunday vs. Titans. https://t.co/dhRLefkjhb
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) October 4, 2023
Hadn’t OFFICIALLY taken him off of the PUP when Steichen announced he’d practice. Now, however, Taylor HAS to play by week 8. https://t.co/SrSb4erdaO
— John (@colts_report) October 4, 2023
While the Colts are 2-2 without Taylor and rookie sensation Anthony Richardson is humming along, they could certainly use the Pro Bowl running back in tandem with Zack Moss and Trey Sermon in the backfield. Through four games, the Colts are a bottom-10 rushing team in the NFL. The Colts have rushed for a total of 1,866 yards on 439 carries, averaging 4.2 yards per carry.
Whether Taylor’s addition to Indianapolis rushing attack provides a significant boost to its running game remains to be seen.
About Sam Neumann
Since the beginning of 2023, Sam has been a staff writer for Awful Announcing and The Comeback. A 2021 graduate of Temple University, Sam is a Charlotte native, who currently calls Greenville, South Carolina his home. He also has a love/hate relationship with the New York Mets and Jets.