Shane Steichen shoots down idea that Colts could sit Jonathan Taylor amid trade rumors

Some wondered whether the Indianapolis Colts could sit star running back Jonathan Taylor when the 2-6 Colts host the 3-5 Dallas Cowboys this coming Sunday to keep Taylor healthy for a deal that could arise before the NFL trade deadline arrives at 4:00 p.m. ET on Nov. 10.

While speaking with reporters on Wednesday, Colts head coach Shane Steichen insisted that Taylor will play and receive carries against Dallas as long as the 27-year-old is with Indianapolis this weekend. 

Jonathan Taylor "wants to go win this game" for Colts

"There’s a lot of stuff out there right now," Steichen said, per Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star. "He’s on our football team, and he’s excited for this opportunity to go play. He wants to go win this game." 

Last week, Taylor confirmed that he did not request a trade after the Colts acquired future draft assets for eight-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson and defensive tackle DeForest Buckner. However, eyebrows were raised when Taylor then carried the ball eight times for 23 yards in the Colts' 42-7 blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Nov. 1. Taylor also caught four of five targets for 24 yards in that defeat.

"There’s a lot of hypotheticals out there, on the trade talks right now," Steichen continued. "He’s on our football team." 

A Wednesday morning report noted that the Colts may "be holding out for the equivalent of a first-round" draft pick as it pertains to a possible Taylor trade. Previous stories linked Taylor with the New York Giants, Green Bay Packers, Denver Broncos, Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings.

One of those teams may want to match the Colts' asking price for Taylor soon to ensure he doesn't suffer any type of physical setback while playing for Indianapolis against Dallas. 

"People are going to call," Steichen added about Taylor. "That’s just part of the business. You’ve got to be a professional and show up to work." 

As of Wednesday afternoon, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Colts as six-point home underdogs against the Cowboys.