Colts' RB Jonathan Taylor Excused From Team Again
At this point in the saga between the Indianapolis Colts and former All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor, no news would be good news.
Unfortunately, that has not been the case. Amid Taylor's trade request due to the lack of a contract extension, the running back spent the last week away from the team to continue rehab on his surgically repaired ankle. The rehab occurred at an out-of-state facility.
However, Taylor did return to the team this week and was confirmed to be back in Indianapolis. Although he had reportedly returned to the team, Taylor had not been spotted at practice. Even with all the drama surrounding Taylor and his situation with the Colts, the running back has been present, watching his fellow running backs at practice.
We now know why Taylor has not been on the sidelines over the past few days. The Colts released a statement on Wednesday night detailing the reason for Taylor's absence.
“Jonathan Taylor returned to Indianapolis to continue his rehab, however he had a personal matter arise," the Colts said in their statement. "He is not currently with the team and his absence is excused.”
The team did not go into further detail about the personal matter Taylor is dealing with. While it seems like the reason Taylor is away does not have anything to do with the Colts, it does add another layer to the situation between the two parties.
Taylor's stance remains the same, and he still desires to be traded. The Colts have publicly said they will not honor Taylor's demand and have no intention of trading him. General manager Chris Ballard spoke to SiriusXM NFL radio recently to express his thoughts on Taylor.
"I think the world of Jonathan," Ballard said. "He's been a great Colt, been a great player for the Colts. Unfortunately, last year he got hurt early in the season, was dinged all year, fought through it until he finally got to a point where he had to have the surgery. And now he's finishing his rehab process. Hopefully, as we move forward here, we'll get him back. But we need to get him 100% healthy before we do anything."
Time will tell how long Taylor is away from the team and when he will be 100% healthy and ready to return.
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