The Indianapolis Colts are reportedly considering placing star running back Jonathan Taylor on a non-football injury list due to an apparent back injury he claims he never admitted to having.
Things have gotten very awkward between the Indianapolis Colts front office and Taylor. The second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft is in the final year of his rookie contract, and after two 1,100-plus rushing yard seasons during his tenure with the franchise, Taylor is looking for some long-term financial security.
Related: Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor demands trade, identifying 4 trade landing spots
However, the organization seems to be uninterested in negotiating a big-money extension during a time when running backs have seen a major decline in value and following a season where the 24-year-old only suited up 11 times due to injuries. With the two sides at a stalemate, Taylor and team owner Jim Irsay met on Thursday to try and hash out the divide. Unfortunately, that conversation led to the one-time All-Pro requesting a trade.
- Jonathan Taylor stats (2022): 11 games, 861 rushing yards, 4 touchdowns
Indianapolis Colts record (2022): 4-12
Yet, that is only the beginning of the developing drama between Jonathan Taylor and the Indianapolis Colts. On Sunday night, ESPN reported that the organization is considering placing him on a non-football injury list after he allegedly failed a team physical from a lingering ankle and back injury. Sources claimed Taylor reported the back issues to the team.
But soon after the report, Taylor took to his Twitter account to claim “1.) Never had back pain. 2.) Never reported back pain. Not sure who “sources” are, but find new ones.”
The same sources who spoke to ESPN claimed that the alleged back pain the running back has is from an injury that was not sustained while playing for the Indianapolis Colts. Due to that fact, by placing him on the non-football injury list the organization can withhold his salary for 2023, which is $4.3 million.
The situation is a new layer to what is becoming an ugly divide between the team and a player that seemed like he could be the face of the franchise for the next decade after having a breakout season in 2021 when he rushed for over 1,800 yards.