Behind Enemy Lines: Indianapolis Colts Could Lose RB Jonathan Taylor for Titans Matchup

The Tennessee Titans face the Indianapolis Colts this week and it looks like the visitors could be without one of their best players as running back Jonathan Taylor appears to have a serious hand injury.

The Tennessee Titans will have their second matchup of the year with the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday. The Colts stand at 6-5 on the season and surely hope to sweep the 4-7 Titans. If they do it, it looks like they will have to do so without talented running back Jonathan Taylor.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Taylor suffered a serious hand injury that looks like it will keep him out of Week 13's game, but maybe even longer as well. After Rapoport dropped the news, additional details and reports all came flying in. Some suggesting Taylor could even land on injured reserve.

#Colts RB Jonathan Taylor, fresh off a 91-yard, 2-TD performance in a win over the #Bucs, suffered an injured thumb that is requiring further evaluation and puts his status in doubt going forward, sources say.

More info coming, with all options considered. One to watch. pic.twitter.com/pvlP0PSmHw

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 28, 2023

At this time, these are all reports and nothing official has come from the team. Though that will logically happen soon, but there can be no certainty to say Taylor will miss quite yet. Realistically speaking, it may not matter.

In Week 5, the Titans lost to the Colts and got shockingly bludgeoned by the Colts' run game. The Colts went for 193 rushing yards and if you weren't watching, you might think it was Taylor doing the damage.

The real culprit though, was backup running back Zack Moss. Moss went from 165 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns. This isn't to diminish Taylor's ability, but it is clear the Titans will have trouble no matter who lines up to take handoffs for the Colts.

One thing going in the Titans' favor though will be the presence of run-stuffing nose tackle Teair Tart, who missed the first matchup. Tart has been on the field while the Titans struggled in run defense against other teams, but he should still be a significant help.

On thing is for sure, the Titans must be better in the run defense against the Colts this week because of they repeat what happened in Week 5, the Titans are surely in for being swept out of the division race if they haven't been already.

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