Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is close to being cleared to play after missing three games due to a thumb injury that required surgery.
Head coach Shane Steichen said Sunday that Taylor is progressing and has a chance to be in the lineup this weekend for a Christmas Eve game at Atlanta.
The Colts (8-6) won for the fifth time in six games, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-13 on Saturday, and played for the seventh time this season without Taylor.
"We'll see how the week goes," Steichen said. "He's feeling good though."
Taylor was injured during a Nov. 26 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and underwent surgery three days later.
After missing the first four games of the season due to a contract standoff and an ankle injury, Taylor has amassed 414 rushing yards and four touchdowns in seven games (five starts) this season. He also has 16 catches for 137 yards and one score.
Taylor has 5,194 yards from scrimmage and scored 41 touchdowns in 50 career games (46 starts). Taylor, 24, was the NFL rushing champion with 1,811 yards in his second season in the league.
Taylor's return would be well-timed after backup running back Zack Moss exited Saturday's win over Pittsburgh in the first half with an arm injury. Lead wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. also left following a vicious helmet-first hit that led to the ejection of Steelers safety Damontae Kazee.
Steichen said Sunday that Pittman is in the concussion protocol and is doing "good," but wasn't pleased after reviewing the hit again on film.
"It probably shouldn't happen. He led with the crown of his helmet, and you never want to see that," Steichen said.
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