Colts' Jonathan Taylor calls trade-deadline rumors 'water under the bridge'

Shortly after the Indianapolis Colts suffered a 27-23 loss to the Dallas Cowboys that dropped the Colts to 2-7 on Nov. 8, Colts running back Jonathan Taylor spoke like a player who believed he'd have a different football home before the NFL trade deadline arrived this past Tuesday. 

However, the Colts eventually told Taylor on Tuesday that he would stay put. While speaking with reporters on Thursday, Taylor addressed putting the rumors that hovered over his head for weeks behind him. 

Jonathan Taylor on staying with Colts: "Regular-schedule programming"

"Regular-schedule programming," Taylor said about preparing for the Colts' home game against the 1-7 Miami Dolphins this coming Sunday, as shared by Mike Chappell of Fox59/CBS4 Sports. "It's all water under the bridge now. That's why I was excited to come see you guys, 'cause I think we're gonna talk about the Miami Dolphins now."

The New York Giants, Denver Broncos, Green Bay Packers, Seattle Seahawks, Cincinnati Bengals and Minnesota Vikings were repeatedly mentioned as potential landing spots for Taylor. The Giants reportedly offered a second-round draft pick, a future fifth-rounder and an unknown player to the Colts for Taylor, but Big Blue eventually pulled that offer. Meanwhile, Denver "wasn't comfortable with the return Indianapolis was seeking." 

Jonathan Taylor: Colts made "hard decisions" ahead of trade deadline

The Colts parted ways with guard Quenton Nelson, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and wide receivers Keenan Allen and Josh Downs amid what seemed to be a fire sale. On Wednesday, Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen acknowledged that "tough decisions" were made regarding the future of the franchise. 

Per WISH-TV, Taylor echoed his coach's words. 

"That's way above my pay grade," Taylor added about the Colts' handling of the trade deadline. "Those are some hard decisions that you have to make. I'm glad I don't have to make those decisions. I'm glad I just have to come in here, make sure I'm at my best each and every single day for my coaches and my teammates. So, I would hate to be in that situation. I would hate to be in that situation. But I know they have a vision and a plan for it." 

Taylor seemingly didn't want to talk about the future beyond the Miami game. As of Thursday morning, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Colts as 3.5-point home favorites for that matchup.