Indianapolis Colts Star Named Top Bounce-Back Candidate For 2024 Season

Last offseason, there were major questions about the future of Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor. Many thought he would end up being traded and that did almost happen. However, when everything was said and done, the Colts and Taylor agreed to a new contract that kept him in town long-term.

He missed the first four games of the 2023 season, but returned and showed signs of promise throughout the year. While he was solid, he was not the superstar back from the 2022 season.

A lot of his lack of massive success had to do with the way the season started. He had nagging injury issues and the contract drama also set him back. Now, he’s focused on getting back to elite status in 2024 for the Indianapolis Colts.

Indianapolis Colts Star Jonathan Taylor Named Top Bounce-Back Candidate

Looking ahead to the upcoming 2024 NFL season, Taylor is already being talked about as a major bounce-back player. The Indianapolis Colts certainly hope he lives up to that hype.

Pro Football Focus certainly thinks he’s in line for a big year. They named him as the Colts’ biggest bounce-back candidate for this season.

“Taylor was one of the NFL’s better running backs in his first two years, but injuries halted his production in the latter two. In 2023, he dealt with the effects of ankle surgery, not playing until Week 5, plus tore a ligament in his thumb. In addition to potentially better health, Taylor is trending up for at least two other big reasons. For one, with Zack Moss heading to Cincinnati, Taylor should earn even more carries amid unproven depth behind him. Oh, and Taylor finally doesn’t have a contract dispute serving as the elephant in the room. The point is, don’t be shocked if Taylor has a huge 2024.

It’s easy to forget that the Colts were splitting reps between Taylor and Zack Moss in the backfield even after Taylor returned to the field. Moss started the season off hot and was a key part of the Indianapolis offense. With him gone, Taylor will return to being a workhorse running back.

During the 2023 season with the Indianapolis Colts, Taylor ended up carrying the football 169 times for 741 yards and seven touchdowns. Those numbers average out to an impressive 4.4 yards per carry. He also caught 19 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown.

There are many reasons to be optimistic about Taylor and the Colts heading into the 2024 season. Anthony Richardson will be back on the field and we still have yet to see Taylor and Richardson fully unleashed together.

In addition to Taylor and Richardson, the Indianapolis Colts will feature Michael Pittman Jr. and Adonai Mitchell at wide receiver. Josh Downs is another major threat. The offense is loaded with talent.

It will be interesting to see how Jonathan Taylor bounces back. He’s still one of the most talented running backs in the NFL and he’s coming off of a down year. You can bet that he’ll be playing with a chip on his shoulder to prove that he’s still a superstar for the Colts.