The worst injury season of all time rages on with the Indianapolis Colts’ top two running backs nursing ailments. What is the latest on Jonathan Taylor and Trey Sermon’s statuses? How should fantasy football managers best prepare for Week 6?
Jonathan Taylor Injury Update
In Week 4, Taylor sustained a high ankle sprain, forcing him from the game. Although it was initially described as mild, Taylor missed Week 5 and has not practiced yet this week.
There seemed to be good news, though. Taylor is feeling a lot better. Source: Jonathan Taylor.
#Colts RB Jonathan Taylor:
“Oh, I’m feeling way better, which is a positive sign. Anytime you can progress throughout the week, you’re closer to getting back on the field.”
“(The pain) has gone down tremendously. That’s the biggest thing.”
He still hasn’t practiced this week. pic.twitter.com/t2h2f9BOBU
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) October 10, 2024
While it sounded like Taylor was nearing a return, the Colts reversed course on Friday afternoon and ruled their star running back out for a divisional matchup at the Titans this Sunday.
Perhaps the Colts are taking a page from the Joe Mixon saga, where he returned to the game where he sprained his ankle, but he’s now missed three straight games.
The situation still sounds promising for Week 7, but that does fantasy managers no favors for Week 6. That sets up Trey Sermon for another start. But, of course, Sermon is dealing with an injury of his own. How fantasy managers should react depends heavily on his status.
Trey Sermon Injury Update
Filling in for Taylor last week, Sermon was adequate, at best. He’s really just a warm body eating carries.
Sermon ran the ball 10 times for an unimpressive 38 yards. He boosted his fantasy production with six inefficient receptions for 25 yards. He also fell into the end zone on the ground.
Sermon is no threat to Taylor’s volume once he returns. But with Taylor now out, the stage is set for Sermon to be a volume-based RB2/3 once again…if he can play.
The backup running back missed Wednesday’s practice with a collarbone issue. It’s unclear exactly what happened, but it’s a strange injury that I can’t remember ever seeing, except when a player breaks his collarbone and is out for an extended period of time.
There is good news, though. Sermon not only returned to practice on Thursday but participated fully. At this point, fantasy managers should expect Sermon to avoid an injury designation on Friday entirely.
Last week, the Colts implemented a 60/40 split between Sermon and Tyler Goodson, with the latter operating as the primary passing-down back. We should expect the exact same thing this week, as the Colts do their best to get by until their elite RB1 returns.
The injury statuses of quarterback Anthony Richardson and wide receiver Michael Pittman could relieve some pressure on the Colts’ backfield.
Michael Pittman Jr. (back) today after practice:
-“A lot of things to consider.”
-“Up to Shane (Steichen)” if he plays. pic.twitter.com/pCga64lyjx
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) October 11, 2024
Head Coach Shane Steichen has some tough decisions ahead. Pittman seemed destined for the IR earlier in the week but was seen practicing in pads on Friday. Another top receiver for Richardson, who is poised to return from his own injury, or Joe Flacco would keep teams from stacking the box against Serman and Goodson.