We are now entering the seventh week of the 2022 NFL season, and daily practice reports are becoming longer and longer as injury updates pour in. Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor missed his second consecutive game last week due to an ankle injury.
What is the latest on Taylor’s status, and should fantasy football managers anticipate his return in Week 7?
Jonathan Taylor Injury Update
When Taylor sprained his ankle back in Week 4, there was a lot of initial uncertainty surrounding the extent of the injury. At first, it was reported to be a high ankle sprain that would cost him several weeks. Then, the tune changed positively.
Taylor held out hope he could play in Week 5, but that was never going to happen with the Colts playing on Thursday night.
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Given the sentiment regarding Taylor’s injury, it sure sounded as though he would’ve had a shot to play had the Week 5 game been on a Sunday. Taylor practiced in a limited fashion all week ahead of last week’s game. It was certainly a surprise to me when Taylor not only didn’t play but was ruled out on Saturday.
Taylor opened Week 7 with another limited practice. Normally, I’d say any sort of practice on a Wednesday for a player who missed the previous week’s game would be a sign he’s very likely to play. But we just saw this same scenario play out a week ago, and Taylor ultimately couldn’t go. I will not take anything for granted this week.
In Week 6, Deon Jackson cemented his spot in a future fantasy football trivia by finishing as the overall RB1 on the week. Jackson played 67% of the offensive snaps, carrying the ball 12 times for 42 yards and a touchdown and racking up 10 receptions for 79 yards through the air.
For anyone who took his yardage or fantasy point projection to be higher on Underdog Fantasy, wise move. I’d consider doing it again if Taylor is still unable to play.
Jackson was thrust into the lead-back role in Week 6, as Nyheim Hines couldn’t clear the concussion protocol in time. Hines was very close to playing, though. I suspect he would’ve played under the pre-Tua concussion rules.
Hines got in a full practice on Wednesday and is fully expected to suit up this weekend. While I hesitate to make any proclamations about Taylor, I’m confident Hines will play. His return will relegate Phillip Lindsay to an emergency role should Indy be without Taylor (or the practice squad if Taylor does play).
Will Jonathan Taylor Play in Week 7 vs. the Titans?
You don’t need me to tell you that if Taylor is active, he goes in your fantasy lineup. It’s likely our placement of Taylor as RB8 on our Week 7 Fantasy Football Rankings winds up looking low if Taylor does return.
Ideally, we’d like to see Taylor get in a full practice on either Thursday or Friday. If Taylor is a full go on Friday, I’ll feel comfortable saying he’s going to play.
MORE: Week 7 Fantasy RB Injury Report
However, if Taylor posts three limited practices again this week, he’s likely going to draw another questionable tag, placing his spot in fantasy lineups in limbo.
Fortunately, the Colts play at 1 p.m. ET. Fantasy managers will have the luxury of knowing his status at 11:30 a.m. and being able to plan accordingly. Assuming Hines returns as expected, both he and Jackson would be startable as RB3s if Taylor is out.