Jonathan Taylor Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Taylor saga takes an unusual turn

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 7/30/23

Less than 24 hours after Jonathan Taylor requested a trade from the Indianapolis Colts, his plans may have hit a snag.

According to Stephen Holder of ESPN, Taylor arrived at camp reporting back pain which the Colts determined was a pre-existing injury. And, now, the Colts are mulling whether or not to place Taylor on the non-football injury list, meaning the former All-Pro may not receive a regular season paycheck.

Source to ESPN: Colts RB Jonathan Taylor reported to training camp complaining of back pain that was deemed to be from a pre-existing issue. The team is now considering placing him on the non-football injury list, which could result in his not being paid for the regular season.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) July 31, 2023

The Colts are "still working through things," per Holder, but the team could make a move as early as next week.

"Taylor failed his physical, the source said, because of a combination of a previous ankle injury on which surgery was performed earlier this year, and the back injury," Holder wrote. "The team's medical staff had not previously discussed a back issue with Taylor and the Colts were unaware of the problem until Taylor reported on Tuesday."

On Friday, Taylor stunned the NFL world, formally asking the Colts for a one-way ticket out of Indianapolis shortly after meeting with owner Jim Irsay. Taylor has one year remaining on his contract, and it's clear discussions on a possible extension with the Colts haven't gone as planned. And, considering the current climate for running backs, it's not surprising that Taylor would want to go to a team willing to pay him while he's still in his prime.

While trading Taylor seems like the simple solution, it won't be that easy. Running backs, even of the level of Taylor, aren't prioritized like they once were in the NFL. And, while every team would love to have Taylor in their backfield, few will probably be willing to part with the assets the Colts want in a trade on top of inking him to a lucrative long-term deal.

Some general managers in the NFL believe the return for Taylor will be "minimal." Still, after Saturday's development, things have gotten much more muddled - leaving Taylor and the Colts in limbo for now.

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