Tag: jonathan taylor

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

July 31, 2023; Westfield, IN, USA; 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. Mandatory Credit: Mykal McEldowney-USA TODAY Sports

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor returns to practice

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Indianapolis Colts officially opened the 21-day practice window for disgruntled running back Jonathan Taylor on Wednesday, designating him for return from the physically unable to perform list.

Taylor, in addition to being unhappy with his contract, was recovering from surgery in January on his right ankle. He was estimated as a full participant for Wednesday’s walk-through practice.

Taylor didn’t speak with the media; he’s not required to since he’s not on the 53-man roster.

“I know he’s excited to be back and I’m excited to see what he does with it,” Colts rookie QB Anthony Richardson told reporters. “He’s a great guy. I love him. We talk almost every other day … I think our relationship’s pretty tight. We’ll see how it is on the field.”

Now, the waiting begins to see whether Taylor actually plays another game for the Colts or gets traded, per his wishes from the summer. If he’s not activated in 21 days, he would be shut down for the rest of the season. He could also be traded or released.

Taylor, 24, requested a trade in July after Indianapolis failed to offer him an extension. He is due to earn $4.3 million this season in the final year of his rookie contract.

Taylor rushed for 861 yards and four touchdowns in 11 starts last season. The 2020 second-round pick and 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. 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, with Indianapolis hosting the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

–Field Level Media

Jul 28, 2023; Westfield, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) makes his way around the field during an indoor practice at Grand Park Sports Campus. Mandatory Credit: Mykal McEldowney/The Indianapolis Star-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Colts RB Jonathan Taylor (ankle) to pass physical

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is expected to pass his physical as soon as Sunday, according to multiple media reports.

Taylor, who is nursing an ankle injury, is not eligible to return to the team until Week 5 after he was placed on the physically unable to perform list.

Taylor, 24, had requested a trade on July 30 over the lack of contract extension talks. The NFL trade deadline is Oct. 31.

Colts owner Jim Irsay had said publicly the team does not plan to offer him a long-term contract nor trade him in the preseason. Later in August, the Colts reportedly gave Taylor permission to seek a trade.

Multiple media reports had the Colts in trade discussions for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson and other options, and for Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle.

Taylor, who will make $4.3 million this season in the final year of his rookie contract, can remain with the team this season. Indianapolis could then use the franchise tag on him or try to trade him next offseason.

Last season, Taylor was limited by injuries to 11 games and rushed for 861 yards and four touchdowns. He had surgery on the ankle in the offseason.

He led the league in 2021 with 332 rushing attempts, 1,118 yards, a 106.5 per-game average, 18 TDs, 2,171 total yards and 20 total touchdowns rushing and receiving.

Taylor has rushed for 3,841 yards and 33 touchdowns and added 104 catches for 802 yards and three scores in 43 games (41 starts) since the Colts drafted him in the second round in 2020 out of Wisconsin.

–Field Level Media

Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson (29) drives Indianapolis Colts running back Kenyan Drake (31) out of bounds with a tackle during the first half of an NFL preseason game Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Report: Colts release RB Kenyan Drake

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Indianapolis Colts released running back Kenyan Drake, NFL Network reported on Sunday.

The reported departure of Drake comes as the Colts are allowing star running back Jonathan Taylor to pursue a trade. In addition to Taylor and an injured Zack Moss (broken arm), Indianapolis has fellow running backs Deon Jackson, rookie Evan Hull, Jake Funk and Jason Huntley.

Drake signed with the Colts earlier this month. He had 13 carries for 36 yards and three receptions for 29 yards in the team’s three preseason games.

Drake, 29, had 482 rushing yards (4.4 per carry) and four touchdowns in 12 games (five starts) for the Baltimore Ravens amid injuries to fellow running backs J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards. Drake added 17 receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown.

In seven seasons with the Miami Dolphins (2016-19), Arizona Cardinals (2019-20), Las Vegas Raiders (2021) and Ravens, Drake has run for 3,866 yards (4.5 per carry) and 33 touchdowns and added 216 receptions for 1,624 yards and eight TDs.

–Field Level Media

July 31, 2023; Westfield, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) walks to a drill Monday, July 31, 2023, during training camp at the Grand Park Sports Campus in Westfield, Indiana. Mandatory Credit: Mykal McEldowney-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Colts grant RB Jonathan Taylor permission to seek trade

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Colts running back Jonathan Taylor received the blessing of the team to seek a trade on Monday, according to multiple reports.

The disgruntled Taylor is dealing with an ankle injury and informed the Colts he wanted to move on after a face-to-face meeting with team owner Jim Irsay. Irsay informed Taylor that a long-term contract offer would not be extended until the end of the 2023 season.

Taylor, who is on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list after offseason ankle surgery, left the team the twice during training camp, ostensibly to rehab his ankle out of state.

Taylor is in the final year of his contract and has a base salary of $4.3 million. Given recent contracts for players at the position, it’s unclear where Taylor’s asking price with the Colts was set or if he’d consider a short-term deal to grease the skids for a trade out of Indy.

The Colts shared no details about the rehab protocol or process in place and head coach Shane Steichen effectively stopped discussing Taylor’s status last week.

“Now, he’s finishing his rehab process,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard told SiriusXM NFL Radio. “Hopefully, as we move forward here, we’ll get him back. But we need to get him 100 percent healthy before we do anything.”

An All-Pro in 2021, Taylor led the NFL in rushing that year with 1,811 yards. In his three NFL seasons, he has amassed 3,841 yards on the ground with 33 touchdowns, and 802 yards receiving with three scores.

–Field Level Media

July 31, 2023; Westfield, IN, USA; 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. Mandatory Credit: Mykal McEldowney-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Taylor leaves Colts again for ‘personal matter’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Two days after returning to Indianapolis to continue his rehab, running back Jonathan Taylor left the Colts again on Wednesday to attend to a “personal matter,” the team announced.

“Jonathan Taylor returned to Indianapolis to continue his rehab, however he had a personal matter arise. He is not currently with the team and his absence is excused,” the team said in a statement.

The disgruntled Taylor is dealing with an ankle injury. However, he also demanded a trade after a meeting with Colts owner Jim Irsay in which he was informed a long-term contract offer would not be extended until the end of the 2023 season.

Taylor, who is on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list after offseason ankle surgery, left the team the first time ostensibly to rehab his ankle out of state.

The Colts, at least 24 hours ago, thought they’d have Taylor back rehabbing with the team.

“Now, he’s finishing his rehab process,” Colts general manager Chris Ballard told SiriusXM NFL Radio on Tuesday night. “Hopefully, as we move forward here, we’ll get him back. But we need to get him 100 percent healthy before we do anything.”

An All-Pro in 2021, Taylor led the NFL in rushing that year with 1,811 yards. In his three NFL seasons, he has amassed 3,841 yards on the ground with 33 touchdowns, and 802 yards receiving with three scores.

–Field Level Media

Jul 28, 2023; Westfield, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) makes his way around the field during an indoor practice at Grand Park Sports Campus. Mandatory Credit: Mykal McEldowney/The Indianapolis Star-USA TODAY Sports

Coach: RB Jonathan Taylor expected back in camp this week

Posted on | by Field Level Media

New Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen expects injured running back Jonathan Taylor to return to camp this week, although the extent of Taylor’s recovery from an ankle injury was unclear.

“He should be back this week. Do I know the exact date he’ll be back? No, but he should be back,” Taylor told the media on Sunday.

Taylor, who wants a new contract or a trade as he heads into his final season under his current deal, has said he does not intend to take the field until he is fully healthy in hopes of preventing reinjury. He left training camp early last week to rehab elsewhere.

An All-Pro in 2021, Taylor led the NFL in rushing that year with 1,811 yards. In his three NFL seasons, he has amassed 3,841 yards on the ground with 33 touchdowns, and 802 yards receiving with three scores.

Taylor is currently on the team’s physically unable to perform (PUP) list after offseason ankle surgery.

The team has refused to negotiate a new contract with Taylor, and owner Jim Irsay has stated that the front office won’t oblige his trade request.

–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.

Report: RB Jonathan Taylor leaves Colts to rehab ankle

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor left training camp to rehab his ankle injury off-site, ESPN reported Tuesday.

The 2021 NFL rushing champion has been in a standoff with the Colts over his lack of a contract extension heading into his fourth season.

Head coach Shane Steichen said Taylor’s absence was “part of his rehab process. If you don’t see him out there, it’s part of his rehab,” per ESPN.

Steichen declined to comment on whether Taylor, 24, is rehabbing on- or off-site.

Taylor is on the physically unable to perform list after offseason ankle surgery. Previous reports said he has also dealt with some hamstring and back issues.

Taylor has one year remaining on his rookie contract. He asked for a trade last month, but the request was rejected by team owner Jim Irsay.

Taylor rushed for 861 yards and four touchdowns in 11 starts last season. He led the NFL with 1,811 rushing yards and 18 rushing TDs in 2021, earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors.

–Field Level Media

Dec 17, 2022; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Colts RB Jonathan Taylor requests trade

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has formally requested a trade, NFL Network reported Saturday.

Taylor’s decision came following a meeting with Jim Irsay on the Colts owner’s bus, per the report.

Irsay addressed the meeting with his former league rushing champ Saturday, telling reporters, “I don’t need to clear the air but I just needed to remind him that no one treats his players better than this franchise.”

The reported trade request comes amid recent frustration among several of the league’s prominent running backs over the salary market at the position. Several notable free agent rushers — Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliott, Kareem Hunt and Leonard Fournette (all of whom will be 28 by the start of this season) — have struggled to find their desired salary figures and failed to be re-signed this offseason.

Taylor, 24, led the league in rushing yards (1,811), carries (332) and rushing touchdowns (18) during the 2021 season before tapering off a bit last year. He rushed for 861 yards on 192 carries in 11 games but found the end zone just four times on the ground. Taylor underwent minor ankle surgery in January after admitting he had battled a nagging injury for most of the season.

In three seasons with Indianapolis, Taylor has amassed 3,841 rushing yards and 33 TDs on 756 carries. He also has 104 receptions for 802 yards and three scores.

Zack Moss, Deon Jackson and rookie Evan Hull are slated to take over backfield duties should Taylor end up being dealt.

–Field Level Media

Oct 30, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay speaks at a Ring of Honor induction ceremony for Tarik Glenn on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, during a game against the Washington Commanders at Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Max Gersh/IndyStar-USA TODAY Sports

Colts’ Jim Irsay claims RB take not ‘directed at’ Jonathan Taylor

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay claimed social media comments he made regarding the diminished market for NFL running backs were not directed at his team’s All-Pro back, Jonathan Taylor.

Irsay’s most recent comments on Thursday came one day after he took aim at Najee Harris following the Pittsburgh Steelers star saying the league’s top running backs were discussing the idea of altering the way salaries of franchise-tagged players are determined in a bid to make top-tier money. Irsay dismissed the notion, saying “some (a)gents are selling ‘bad faith.’”

Irsay’s comment drew the ire of Taylor’s agent Malki Kawa, who tweeted: “Bad faith is not paying your top offensive player.”

“The comment wasn’t really directed at Jonathan,” Irsay told ESPN. “We haven’t exchanged any contract numbers with each other or anything like that. So, it’s not like we’re in the midst of that. I think we had a tough season last year. Didn’t win a lot of games. This is a year about coming back together and having a great year and we’re really depending on Jonathan to team up with (quarterback) Anthony Richardson to try and pull together to have a great year.”

Taylor, 24. is entering the final season of his four-year rookie contract.

He has rushed for 3,841 yards in his career — including a league-leading 1,811 in 2021, when he was selected to the All-Pro team.

Taylor has a career 4,643 yards from scrimmage to go with 36 touchdowns since being selected by the Colts in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media