Jonathan Taylor Addresses Ending Holdout From Colts After Return From Injury

Jonathan Taylor wouldn’t get into details on the issue of his Indianapolis Colts contract, but said his presence shows his commitment to the team this year.

Jonathan Taylor is off of the Colts’ physically unable to perform (PUP) list and was a full participant in Wednesday’s walk-through practice, signaling his decision to end his holdout.

Taylor sought a trade from Indianapolis after failing to land a long term contract with the team. However, now that he has returned from the ankle injury that cost him the first month of the season, he said he is committed to the team, while avoiding the topic of his contract. 

“If somebody wasn’t committed, they wouldn’t be here,” said Taylor, via Joel A. Erickson of The Indianapolis Star. “I’m here.”

Jonathan Taylor returned to Indianapolis Colts practice and spoke to the media after a stint on the PUP list to start the 2023 season :: Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar/USA Today Network

When asked about his desire to be traded, Taylor said the main focus was getting healthy and back on the football field.

“The goal was to be healthy. Everyone in this whole thing, the main goal was to be healthy, to go out there and to be able to do what I love, play football,” said Taylor. “… I think everybody was on the same page with that.

Jonathan Taylor’s asked about wanting to be traded.

His response: pic.twitter.com/ZRv8XqhkKe

— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) October 5, 2023

Taylor will play out the fourth year of his contract with Indianapolis, making $4.3 million, before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2024. 

Last season saw a decline in his production, as he managed 861 yards and four touchdowns on the ground in 11 games. A year earlier, he broke out as arguably the NFL’s top running back in his second season, rushing for 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns, while adding 360 receiving yards with two additional scores through the air.

Taylor is set to make his 2023 debut on Sunday when the Colts host the Titans.