Colts Jonathan Taylor OUT, Pittman 'Feeling Good' for Titans Tilt

The Indianapolis Colts won't have one of their premier playmakers in a crucial battle with the Titans.

Oct 6, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen looks on before a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images / Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen announced who's out and provided updates for the early practice report on Friday ahead of a clash with the Tennessee Titans.

Jonathan Taylor is the only Colts player ruled OUT for Sunday.

Anthony Richardson practiced all week and is questionable, per Shane Steichen. Game time decision.

Michael Pittman Jr. is dealing with a back injury, but practiced today and is “feeling good.” A nice surprise.

— Andrew Moore (@AndrewMooreNFL) October 11, 2024

So far, so good for quarterback Anthony Richardson. The second-year signal caller missed most of the Pittsburgh Steelers contest and all of week five against the Jacksonville Jaguars. For both instances, veteran backup Joe Flacco filled in. This is welcoming news that Richardson is on track to suit up when Indianapolis desperately needs a win in the division.

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As for running back Jonathan Taylor, he won't play on Sunday due to a lingering high-ankle sprain. This is a big blow to the offensive potential for Indianapolis, but with Richardson under center, it will help even things out, especially on the ground. Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson are the duo that will operate for Shane Steichen on Sunday.

Per Coach Steichen, RB Jonathan Taylor has been ruled out for #INDvsTEN.

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 11, 2024

Initial reports indicated that Michael Pittman Jr. had a back injury severe enough to be considered injured reserve-worthy. However, the veteran pass-catcher is practicing against everyone's expectations.

Pittman on his back: "We still don't know what course of action is going to happen, but I'm just doing everything to put myself in the best situation to try and play, because I want to be out there for everybody."

"Nothing is guaranteed. Everything is still on the table."

— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) October 11, 2024

While it sounds more like Pittman is just tough as nails, it's encouraging that he's practicing just days away from the contest. Even if Pittman plays a limited snap count at 80%, it's still better than no #11 on the field. Pittman's practice this afternoon will be something to monitor as the Colts prepare for an ever-important AFC South game that might hold their 2024 playoff hopes in the balance.

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