Colts' Jonathan Taylor Bracing for Return?

In a recent post on social media, Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor showcased some route running that may indicate he’s nearing full health from a longstanding ankle injury.

The Indianapolis Colts and Jonathan Taylor have had arguably one of the most dramatic back-and-forths seen in the NFL in recent memory.

With the duo of issues between the two having to do with contract extension disagreements and Taylor’s ankle injury, the latter was more important for the future of Taylor’s career in the league.

After a recent Instagram post from the 2021 NFL rushing champion, he may be closer to being ready to play than previously thought.

From Jonathan Taylor’s Instagram story (@jayt23): pic.twitter.com/DEzeIRPpY8

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) September 15, 2023

Taylor is still on PUP (Physically Unable to Play), a designation given by the Colts before the Week 1 kickoff against the Jacksonville Jaguars. This means that he’s out at least until after Week 4.

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However, while the contract disputes are starting to have “calmer waters,” this is an excellent sign that the ankle is trending in the right direction for Taylor. Regardless of what opinions are on his health or mentality toward the money he feels owed, Taylor is hands down the best running back on the Colts. On any given Sunday, he could be a top-three back in the NFL or even number one at his position.

Pair this with the potential threat that a healthy Taylor and a mobile quarterback like Anthony Richardson could present to the rest of the league, it’s pretty exciting to imagine the two on the field together with Shane Steichen operating the offense. It’s all going to depend on the health of the former MVP candidate and if he can overcome such a devastating injury that was worse than expected.

There is still a chance he’s out even after Week 4, but given his current trajectory, he may be able to shore up that ankle injury quicker, allowing him and the Colts to focus solely on the contract moving forward.

Outlook

It is a simple video. But, after everything that the Colts and Taylor have been through during the offseason, this is a glimmer of hope that one of the two big problems could be coming to an end, with the most important being Taylor’s health.

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