Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor will be missing at least two more games after he was placed on the PUP List to begin the season. It is anyone’s guess what his future holds as no one knows where the two sides currently stand.
This offseason it looked as if the relationship was damaged beyond repair. Taylor was seeking a long-term contract but the Colts made it clear he would not be receiving one. That led to some bizarre comments being shared by owner Jim Irsay and Taylor left the team to rehab his ankle injury offsite.
After originally denying his trade request, the Colts did allow Talyor to seek out a new team, but a deal had to be done before August 29th, which was a cut-down day around the league. No deal was reached and Taylor was kept on the PUP List.
A trade involving Taylor could still occur, but interest around the league could have waned by now. The Miami Dolphins said they would look to free agency for running back help, leaving the Green Bay Packers as the only known suitor.
The trade deadline is set for October 31st, but a former NFL executive who spoke to NFL Analysis Network doesn’t believe Taylor will be on the move before then. In fact, they think the opposite will happen and the Colts will keep him long-term.
“I actually think the Colts and (Jonathan) Taylor will work out a deal. They don’t and never have wanted to trade him. Assuming he comes back healthy and plays well, I think a long-term deal will still get done.”
All reports have indicated that Taylor will be healthy and ready to go once he is eligible to return to the field after Week 4. That would be a huge upgrade for the Colts’ offense, which has seen rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson get sidelined in both games of his career thus far.
Having Taylor in the lineup would certainly take pressure off Richardson, having a star player to rely on in the backfield. A young quarterback’s best friend is a strong run game and the former NFL executive believes the Colts will eventually lock one in with Taylor.
More must-reads: