Since the Indianapolis Colts placed RB Jonathan Taylor on the PUP, football fans have anxiously awaited the talented back’s potential return. Taylor and the football team have been at odds since the star running back went public with his request for a contract extension.
The Colts owner, Jim Irsay, dug in and went public with his stance, letting everyone who would listen, the Colts were not trading Taylor. Taylor is arguably the most talented player on the Colts’ roster, but the running back market in the NFL is depreciated, with many organizations refusing to pay running backs what they believe they are worth.
Taylor has returned to the Colts organization with no end to the staredown with the team in sight. What’s the next move for Taylor and the Colts?
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Will Taylor Suit Up in Week 5?
Taylor practiced with the Colts all week, and for now, it appears that the franchise back is playing in Week 5. The term “if all goes well” is being thrown around, which is somewhat ambiguous, but it sounds like Taylor is playing for Indianapolis on Sunday, which is a stark contrast from where this relationship was originally heading.
𝗨𝗽𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗲: #Colts RB Jonathan Taylor is expected to play Week 5 against the #Titans if "all goes well", per @RapSheet https://t.co/ZIphhs9h09 pic.twitter.com/OlRMfH11hw
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 6, 2023
No one knows how long Taylor will play. Again, this dispute is over money, and Taylor does not want to risk the possibility of injury. Is it possible Taylor plays a few games, accrues a season under the terms of the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement, and then shuts it down?
MORE: Colts Depth Chart
From a financial leverage standpoint, the strategy would make sense. On the other hand, the Colts have the franchise tag and could still slap it on Taylor, keeping him a member of the Indianapolis Colts for another season.
What Type of Impact Will Taylor Have On the Colts?
A backfield containing the downhill running capabilities of Taylor and the dynamic rushing and passing talents of rookie QB Anthony Richardson will be an issue for NFL defenses to deal with. Zack Moss has found success as the Colts’ top back, and Moss is nowhere near the back Taylor is. Defenses must respect Richardson’s running, opening up lanes for Taylor.
So Jonathan Taylor is just going to return to practice like nothing happened?
Reminds me of the Seinfeld when George quits his job, because he wasn't allowed to use the executive toilet. But quickly regrets his decision and shows back up to work, pretends he didn't quit. pic.twitter.com/LPBp8ibcaa
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) October 3, 2023
Having a back like Taylor in the Colts’ offense will force defenses to put more defenders in the box to stop the run, opening up additional receiving opportunities for pass catchers Michael Pittman Jr., Alec Pierce, and Josh Downs.
Ideally, the Colts’ mixture of pass and run will keep defenses off-balanced, extending their drives and keeping Indianapolis’ defense on the sideline and well-rested. The Colts have the recipe for success. Will Taylor be around long enough to cook the recipe?