Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen wasn’t too forthcoming about star running back Jonathan Taylor’s availability for Sunday’s game against the visiting Tennessee Titans.
When asked if Taylor will play versus the Titans (2-2), Steichen said the following on Friday: “We’ll see.”
Taylor underwent offseason ankle surgery and sat out the first four games of this campaign while on the physically unable to perform list. The Colts (2-2) have to activate Taylor to the 53-man roster by Saturday for him to be on the field against Tennessee.
Also on Friday, Steichen announced linebacker Shaquille Leonard (groin), defensive end Kwity Paye (concussion) and left tackle Bernhard Raimann (concussion) have been ruled out versus the Titans.
Center Ryan Kelly cleared concussion protocol and will play on Sunday, Steichen said.
Taylor, a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, also has been locked in a contract dispute with the team, seeking an extension. He is in the final year of his four-year, $7.8 million rookie contract and was due to receive a $4.3 million base salary this season.
He declined Thursday to talk about the potential for a contract extension.
Taylor, 24, rushed for 861 yards and four touchdowns in 11 starts last season. The 2021 All-Pro selection has gained 4,643 yards from scrimmage and scored 36 TDs in 43 career games (41 starts).
The Colts’ leading rusher through four games this year is Zack Moss with 280 yards and one touchdown on 66 carries. Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson has rushed for 131 yards and four scores.
–Field Level Media