Tag: jonathan taylor

Dec 22, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) runs the ball past Tennessee Titans cornerback Chidobe Awuzie (13) for a touchdown during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images

Colts rush for 335 yards to beat Titans, stay in playoff hunt

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Jonathan Taylor rushed for 218 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries Sunday as the Indianapolis Colts kept their slim AFC playoff hopes alive by holding off the visiting Tennessee Titans, 38-30.

Indianapolis (7-8) trails the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos by two games for the final wild-card spots. It would have to win the last two games and hope for both teams to lose the last two games in order to have a chance to earn a playoff spot via tiebreakers.

Taylor’s performance — which came a week after he fumbled inside the 1-yard line to deny his team a sure touchdown in the third quarter of a 31-13 loss in Denver — helped the Colts rush for a team-record 335 yards. Quarterback Anthony Richardson only had to throw 11 passes, completing seven for 131 yards with a touchdown and an interception. He added 70 yards and a score on the ground.

Mason Rudolph completed 23 of 34 passes for 252 yards with two scores and three picks for Tennessee (3-12). He led a comeback from a 38-7 third-quarter deficit that got the Titans within a score after Tyjae Spears’ 2-yard touchdown run and a 2-point conversion pass with 2:53 left in the game.

But the Titans didn’t get the ball back until just three seconds left, leaving them time for just a desperation pass. Rudolph was intercepted by Kenny Moore as time expired.

Tennessee initiated scoring at the 7:47 mark of the first quarter on Rudolph’s 38-yard strike to Calvin Ridley. However, Indianapolis rattled off the next 38 points, including 24 in the second quarter.

Richardson tied it with 11:01 left in the half on a 5-yard run, followed by Taylor’s 65-yard touchdown dash with 7:25 remaining. Matt Gay made it 17-7 on a 31-yard field goal with 2:09 on the clock, followed by Richardson’s 27-yard scoring strike to Josh Downs 15 seconds before the break.

Taylor added 70- and 1-yard touchdown runs to increase the advantage to 38-7 with 6:50 left in the third quarter. Spears got the Titans back on the board with an 11-yard run at the 2:13 mark.

Rudolph cut it to 38-22 on a 6-yard touchdown pass to Nick Westbrook-Ikhine with 8:13 remaining in the game.

–Field Level Media

Oct 13, 2024; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) during pregame warmups against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

Colts’ Anthony Richardson to start vs. Dolphins; Jonathan Taylor out

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson will return from a two-game absence to start Sunday’s game against the visiting Miami Dolphins, head coach Shane Steichen said Friday.

Richardson has been sidelined since sustaining an oblique injury in Indianapolis’ 24-27 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 29. Veteran Joe Flacco has started in his place, throwing for 359 yards and three touchdowns in the Colts’ 37-34 setback to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 6 and 189 yards and two scores in a 20-17 win over the Tennessee Titans last Sunday.

“He looked good,” Steichen said of Richardson, who has been a full participant in practice this week. “He was throwing crisp passes, he was right in the pocket, got out, moved him around, ran a lot. So, he looked really good.”

While Richardson is ready to return for the Colts (3-3), the same cannot be said for Jonathan Taylor. The star running back will sit out for the third consecutive game due to an ankle injury.

Trey Sermon has struggled to get untracked in Taylor’s place. He rushed for 38 yards on 10 carries versus the Jaguars and 29 yards on 18 rushes against the Titans.

Taylor leads the Colts in carries (72), rushing yards (349) and rushing touchdowns (four). Richardson is second in rushing yards (141).

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) walks off the field Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, after a game against the Houston Texans at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Taylor did not play against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Oct. 6, 2024 due to an ankle injury.

Colts’ Jonathan Taylor out, Anthony Richardson questionable vs. Titans

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the host Tennessee Titans, head coach Shane Steichen announced Friday.

Taylor will miss his second consecutive contest after sustaining an ankle injury in the Colts’ 27-24 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sept. 29.

Steichen, however, noted quarterback Anthony Richardson will be listed as questionable and serve as a game-time decision against the Titans (1-3). Richardson is working his way back from an oblique injury he sustained in the game against the Steelers.

Veteran Joe Flacco would receive his second straight start should Richardson be unable to play against Tennessee. Flacco completed 33 of 44 passes for 359 yards and three touchdowns in Indianapolis’ 37-34 setback to the Jacksonville Jaguars last Sunday.

The Colts (2-3) also did not rule out Michael Pittman Jr. despite multiple reports noting that the wide receiver would miss several weeks with a back injury. Pittman was spotted taking reps along with his teammates during Friday’s practice.

Pittman, 27, has led Indianapolis in receptions, receiving yards and receiving touchdowns in each of the last three seasons. He has a club-best 22 catches for 238 yards and a touchdown through five games this season after signing a three-year, $70 million extension in March.

Taylor, 25, leads the Colts in carries (72), rushing yards (349) and rushing touchdowns (four). Richardson is second on the team in carries (21) and rushing yards (141).

–Field Level Media

Sep 29, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Joe Flacco (15) tosses the ball to Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Grace Smith-USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor (ankle) ruled out vs. Jaguars

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Indianapolis Colts ruled out star running back Jonathan Taylor, defensive end Kwity Paye and cornerback Kenny Moore II for Sunday’s game against the host Jacksonville Jaguars.

Head coach Shane Steichen, however, did not rule out quarterback Anthony Richardson as the Colts (2-2) prepare to face the Jaguars (0-4). The latter was limited in practice this week while dealing with an oblique injury.

“We’ll see,” Steichen said of Richardson, who was injured during Indianapolis’ 27-24 home win against the Pittsburgh Steelers last Sunday. Veteran Joe Flacco replaced Richardson and completed 16 of 26 passes for 166 yards and two touchdowns to preserve the victory.

Taylor did not participate in practice this week after sustaining an ankle injury against the Steelers. Taylor had 108 yards from scrimmage and a touchdown before exiting during the fourth quarter.

Taylor leads the Colts in carries (72), rushing yards (349) and rushing touchdowns (four). Richardson is second on the team in carries (21) and rushing yards (141). Richardson and Trey Sermon each have one rushing score.

“It’ll be running back by committee this week,” Steichen said.

Paye and Moore did not participate in practice this week after sustaining their respective injuries in the Colts’ 21-16 win over the Chicago Bears on Sept. 22.

–Field Level Media

Dec 16, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Zack Moss (21) slides into the end zone for a touchdown while being chased by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Mykal Walker (38) during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Scheer-USA TODAY Sports

Colts RB Zack Moss downgraded to out vs. Falcons

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts running back Zack Moss has been downgraded to out for Sunday’s game against the host Atlanta Falcons.

Moss initially was listed as questionable with a forearm injury after failing to participate in practice this week. He sustained the injury in a play during which he scored a receiving touchdown in Indianapolis’ 30-13 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers last Saturday.

Star running back Jonathan Taylor is expected to return to action for the Colts (8-6) after suffering a thumb injury against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov. 26. The 2021 NFL rushing leader has missed Indianapolis’ past three games.

Moss, 26, has recorded career-high totals in carries (177), rushing yards (764) and rushing touchdowns (five) in 13 games this season. He also has 27 receptions for 192 yards and two scores.

Also on Saturday, the Colts elevated wide receiver Ethan Fernea and offensive tackle Jared Veldheer from the practice squad to the active roster for Sunday’s contest.

–Field Level Media

Nov 5, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew (10) hands off to running back Jonathan Taylor (28) during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor could return Week 16

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is close to being cleared to play after missing three games due to a thumb injury that required surgery.

Head coach Shane Steichen said Sunday that Taylor is progressing and has a chance to be in the lineup this weekend for a Christmas Eve game at Atlanta.

The Colts (8-6) won for the fifth time in six games, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-13 on Saturday, and played for the seventh time this season without Taylor.

“We’ll see how the week goes,” Steichen said. “He’s feeling good though.”

Taylor was injured during a Nov. 26 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and underwent surgery three days later.

After missing the first four games of the season due to a contract standoff and an ankle injury, Taylor has amassed 414 rushing yards and four touchdowns in seven games (five starts) this season. He also has 16 catches for 137 yards and one score.

Taylor has 5,194 yards from scrimmage and scored 41 touchdowns in 50 career games (46 starts). Taylor, 24, was the NFL rushing champion with 1,811 yards in his second season in the league.

Taylor’s return would be well-timed after backup running back Zack Moss exited Saturday’s win over Pittsburgh in the first half with an arm injury. Lead wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. also left following a vicious helmet-first hit that led to the ejection of Steelers safety Damontae Kazee.

Steichen said Sunday that Pittman is in the concussion protocol and is doing “good,” but wasn’t pleased after reviewing the hit again on film.

“It probably shouldn’t happen. He led with the crown of his helmet, and you never want to see that,” Steichen said.

–Field Level Media

Nov 12, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) celebrates after an NFL International Series game against the New England Patriots at Deutsche Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Colts RB Jonathan Taylor (thumb) being evaluated

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor sustained a thumb injury in Sunday’s win against Tampa Bay, NFL Network reported Tuesday.

The injury requires further testing and “puts his status in doubt going forward,” per the report.

Taylor, 24, ran for 91 yards and two touchdowns in the 27-20 victory against the Buccaneers.

He ranks second on the Colts (6-5) with 414 rushing yards and four touchdowns in seven games (five starts) this season. Taylor also has 16 catches for 137 yards and one score.

The 2021 NFL rushing champion has gained 5,194 yards from scrimmage and scored 41 touchdowns in 50 games (46 starts) since the Colts drafted him in the second round in 2020.

Zack Moss has a team-high 672 rushing yards and five TDs for the Colts, who visit the Tennessee Titans (4-7) on Sunday.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) stands near other running backs during drills Monday, July 31, 2023, during training camp at the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana.

Reports: Colts RB Jonathan Taylor agrees to 3-year, $42M extension

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor agreed to terms on a three-year, $42 million contract extension that includes $26.5 million guaranteed, multiple media outlets reported Saturday.

Taylor was activated to the 53-man roster Saturday and the Colts waived fellow running back Jake Funk. The team also lifted Taylor’s questionable tag for Sunday’s game against the visiting Tennessee Titans after he worked through the final recovery stages of an ankle injury.

Taylor underwent offseason ankle surgery and sat out the first four games this season while on the physically unable to perform list.

Taylor, a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, was 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.

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

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) makes his way around the field Friday, July 28, 2023, during an indoor practice at Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana.

Colts coach on Jonathan Taylor’s status vs. Titans: ‘We’ll see’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

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

NFL Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor

RB Jonathan Taylor committed to Colts for now, at least

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor told reporters Thursday that he is committed to the team, at least in the moment.

“I’m here right now,” he said.

He had not practiced with the team since December after suffering a season-ending right ankle injury. Back this week, it isn’t clear whether he sees a future with the Colts after asking for a trade this summer amid a contract dispute.

“I don’t think it matters if I’m saying I’m committed or not, because I’m here,” said Taylor, who wasn’t present for most of training camp. “If somebody wasn’t committed, they wouldn’t be here. And right now, I’m here and my No. 1 goal is to attack this first practice. It’s been over 290 days, I believe.”

Taylor, a second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, 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.

“I’m not here to get into any contract things,” he said. “Those were over the course of the offseason, but the season is here. We’ve got the Tennessee Titans on the clock. Division matchup. What are you going to do?”

The Colts designated Taylor to return from the physically unable to perform list, giving them 21 days to place him on the active roster. Coach Shane Steichen said it is possible Taylor will play Sunday against the Titans.

Reports from Indianapolis indicated there has been a reduction in the tension between Taylor and the front office, but Taylor said his health is the biggest factor in being back with the team.

“The No. 1 thing that changed is that I’m finally able to step on the field,” he said. “Like I said, it’s a big day. It’s a huge day.”

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.

The Colts are tied for first place in the AFC South — along with every other team in the division. Every team is 2-2.

–Field Level Media