All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor has left the Indianapolis Colts training camp to continue rehabilitating his ankle injury off-site.
Taylor’s absence during Tuesday’s practice raised eyebrows, especially given the customary expectation for injured players to be present on the field.
Coach Shane Steichen addressed Taylor’s absence, stating, “Part of his rehab process. If you don’t see him out here, it’s part of his rehab.”
However, when pressed for more details regarding Taylor’s whereabouts, Steichen declined to comment. Further reports clarified that the Colts were informed in advance about Taylor’s decision to continue his rehab away from the team and that this absence is expected to persist for several days.
From Inside Training Camp: #Colts RB Jonathan Taylor will be away from the team for a bit with an excused absence. pic.twitter.com/c73Ko9Tk5C
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 8, 2023
Since the commencement of training camp on July 27, Taylor has been on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list due to his recovery from offseason ankle surgery.
Taylor reportedly expressed concerns about back and hamstring tightness, though he personally denied any issues with his back.
As the Colts gear up to kick off their preseason schedule against the Buffalo Bills this Saturday, the ongoing standoff between Taylor and the team remains unresolved. Taylor has openly requested a trade, a plea that team owner Jim Irsay has vehemently rejected.
Taylor continues to hold out hope for a reconsideration of his request. With just one season remaining on his rookie contract, Taylor is scheduled to hit free agency in the upcoming spring.
Taylor’s impressive track record speaks for itself. In 2021, he dominated the NFL rushing charts, amassing a remarkable 1,811 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns.
His career stats since entering the league in 2020 are equally notable, with his 3,841 rushing yards ranking fourth in the NFL, while his 33 rushing touchdowns are tied for second.
In an unfortunate turn of events for the Colts, they faced additional setbacks on Tuesday as running backs Zack Moss, who sustained a broken arm last week, and Deon Jackson, sidelined by an unspecified injury, were also notably absent from practice.
As the preseason progresses, the Colts coaching staff and all of their fans will keep a watchful eye on Taylor’s situation, hoping for a resolution that allows everyone to productively move forward.
How do you think the Taylor standoff will end?
Has he played his last down as a Colt?