Despite an ongoing contract dispute and an open trade request, Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is expected to rejoin the team for practice this week.
While the Indianapolis Colts have gotten off to a surprising 2-2 start this season, there has been one major story hovering over the team like a dark cloud for the past few months. That being the continued drama between running back Jonathan Taylor and the organization.
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The three-year veteran is entering the final year of his rookie contract and would like to be rewarded with a long-term extension to give himself some financial stability in the coming years as he plays at a position that is brutal on the body and leads to shorter than normal careers in the NFL. However, with the market value on running backs significantly depressed around the league, and the Colts are in no rush to lock him up to an expensive deal.
Due to that divide, Taylor was a hold-in during all of the team’s summer activities. Then he was diagnosed with an ankle injury the organization felt was serious enough to place him on the physically unable to play list. Forcing him out of the first four weeks of the season even if he was traded.
- Jonathan Taylor stats (2022): 11 games, 861 yards, 4 TD, 4.5 yards per carry
Jonathan Taylor to return to Indianapolis Colts practice this week
Well, four weeks in the NFL regular season have passed, the Colts have not traded the one-time Pro Bowler, and he is now eligible to come off of the PUP list. In what should be an awkward moment later this week, Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen revealed on Monday that Taylor is actually expected to be at practice on Wednesday ahead of their Sunday afternoon against the Tennessee Titans.
While he will be at practice, it does not mean he will necessarily be involved in drills or will attempt to play this weekend, but with the team no longer being able to keep him away through an injury loophole, they are probably looking to avoid an issue with the players association and see if a working agreement can be made between the two sides.
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It was recently reported that things have gone quiet on the trade front so it is possible he could end up playing for the team in the coming weeks.