Nov 24, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones (95) during the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Chiefs DT Chris Jones, RT Jawaan Taylor questionable

The Kansas City Chiefs have listed defensive tackle Chris Jones and right tackle Jawaan Taylor as questionable for Wednesday’s game at Pittsburgh.

Jones, 30, did not practice Sunday or Monday but was limited on Tuesday with a calf injury. The five-time Pro Bowl selection has five sacks, 20 quarterback hits and 37 tackles in 15 starts this season, his ninth with the Chiefs.

Taylor, 27, has been limited in practice all week with a knee injury. Including 15 starts this season, he has started all 98 games since being drafted in the second round by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2019.

Also Tuesday, the Chiefs (14-1) ruled out left tackle D.J. Humphries (hamstring) and nickelback Chamarri Conner (concussion). Kansas City can clinch the AFC’s No. 1 playoff seed with a win against the Steelers (10-5).

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) looks to rush past Pittsburgh Steelers safety DeShon Elliott (25) and Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor (ankle) slated to return vs. Texans

Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor is expected to play against the Houston Texans on Sunday after missing three games with an ankle injury.

Taylor was a full practice participant on Friday and wasn’t given an injury status.

Standout defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (ankle) sat out practice Friday and was listed as questionable. He has missed the past five contests.

Indianapolis coach Shane Steichen is anticipating both players will be on the field against the host Texans.

“Getting those two guys back, if they’re ready to roll, it’ll be huge,” Steichen said. “They’re two really talented players that help us tremendously on both sides of the football. So, it’ll be good to see where that goes.”

Though Taylor hasn’t played this month, he still leads the Colts in carries (72), rushing yards (349) and rushing touchdowns (four). He had two 100-yard outings in four games before getting injured.

Taylor, 25, has rushed for 4,931 yards and 44 touchdowns in 57 games (52 starts) over five NFL seasons. He led the NFL with 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2021 when he was a Pro Bowl pick and first-team All-Pro selection.

Buckner, 30, had missed just two games in nine NFL seasons before the current five-game absence.

Buckner is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and also was a first-team All-Pro in 2020, his first season with the Colts. He was second-team All-Pro in 2019 during the last of his four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.

Buckner has 62.5 career sacks, 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 551 career tackles in 131 games (126 starts). He has 1.5 sacks in two games (one start) this season.

Defensive end Genard Avery (foot) and linebacker Jaylon Carlies (fibula, shoulder) were ruled out for the Colts.

–Field Level Media

Dec 31, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (4) passes the ball while Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner (99) defends  in the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Colts DT DeForest Buckner, RB Jonathan Taylor improving from injuries

Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and running back Jonathan Taylor were full participants in practice on Thursday as they move toward a return to action against the host Houston Texans on Sunday.

Both players have been sidelined with ankle injuries. Buckner was hurt in Week 2 against the Green Bay Packers, while Taylor has missed the last three games with his aliment.

Buckner, 30, had missed just two games in nine NFL seasons before the current five-game absence. The team opened his 21-day practice window on Wednesday and Buckner is salivating to get back on the field.

“Just being out that long, especially throughout the season, I was itching to be out there to help my team and these guys,” Buckner said Thursday. “It was tough watching from the sidelines knowing I can’t do anything to help. So I was just doing everything I could in the rehab process and really attacking each day.”

Buckner is a three-time Pro Bowl selection and also was a first-team All-Pro in 2020, his first season with the Colts. He was second team All-Pro in 2019 during the last of four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers.

Buckner has 62.5 career sacks, 10 fumble recoveries, nine forced fumbles and 551 career tackles in 131 games (126 starts). He has 1.5 sacks in two games (one start) this season.

Taylor hasn’t played this month and still leads the Colts in carries (72), rushing yards (349) and rushing touchdowns (four). He had two 100-yard outings in four games before getting injured.

Taylor felt soreness after practice but termed it “nothing major.”

Taylor, 25, has rushed for 4,931 yards and 44 touchdowns in 57 games (52 starts) over five NFL seasons. He led the NFL with 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns in 2021 when he was both a Pro Bowl pick and first-team All-Pro selection.

Receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) and center Ryan Kelly (calf) were full practice participants Thursday after sitting out one day earlier. Defensive end Genard Avery (foot) and linebacker Jaylon Carlies (fibula/shoulder) sat out both days.

–Field Level Media

Oct 22, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks linebacker Darrell Taylor (52) and linebacker Jordyn Brooks (56) tackle Arizona Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs (9) during the second half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Bears acquire LB Darrell Taylor from Seahawks

The Chicago Bears acquired linebacker Darrell Taylor from the Seattle Seahawks on Friday in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The trade comes on the heels of the Bears reportedly pursuing — but failing to acquire — outside linebacker Matthew Judon. The Atlanta Falcons acquired the four-time Pro Bowl selection from the New England Patriots on Aug. 14.

“It’s exciting for us to get (Taylor),” Bears coach Matt Eberflus said on 670 The Score in Chicago. “He’s got sack production, a really good pass rusher. He fits our scheme in terms of his effort, his style, his disposition.”

Taylor, 27, recorded 5.5 sacks and 28 tackles in 17 games (five starts) last season.

He has totaled 21.5 sacks, 91 tackles and five forced fumbles in 49 career games (13 starts) since being selected by the Seahawks in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He did not play in his rookie season due to an offseason surgery on a leg injury he sustained in college at Tennessee.

Also on Friday, the Seahawks signed undrafted rookie cornerback Willie Roberts out of Louisiana Tech.

Roberts participated in Seattle’s rookie minicamp after recording 38 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery in 12 games (all starts) last season.

–Field Level Media

Dec 31, 2023; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor (2) runs with the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during the third quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Giants QB Tyrod Taylor to start Week 18

Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor is the starter for New York in the Week 18 season finale against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Head coach Brian Daboll said Wednesday he’s rolling with Taylor with a goal of “winning the game,” not developing players — such as rookie quarterback Tommy DeVito.

Taylor, 34, becomes a free agent in March, whereas DeVito is under contract next season.

Taylor missed the entire month of November with a rib injury that forced him to injured reserve. He was “disappointed” but diplomatic upon his return to the active roster when Daboll decided to keep DeVito in the starting role.

Taylor has completed 93 of 148 passes for 1,044 yards with four touchdowns and two interceptions this season. He connected with wide receiver Darius Slayton on an 80-yard touchdown in the third quarter last week, easily the longest pass play of the season for the Giants, but New York lost 26-25 to the Los Angeles Rams.

Sunday’s meeting with the Eagles is the second between division rivals since Philadelphia’s 33-25 win on Christmas Day. The Giants have lost three straight games.

Taylor came off the bench to relieve DeVito at halftime and completed 7 of 16 passes for 133 yards with one touchdown and an interception in a near rally for the upset.

–Field Level Media

Nov 26, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) runs to get past Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Dee Delaney (30) during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor trending toward facing Falcons

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor took part in full practice Thursday, but still isn’t certain if he will return for the team’s game at the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

“It depends on how today goes, and tomorrow,” Taylor said. “Really today — this will tell you a lot, the first full speed day.”

Taylor suffered a thumb injury against Tampa Bay on Nov. 26, undergoing surgery three days later. He returned to the practice field for the Colts’ walk-through on Wednesday before ramping it up for Thursday’s full practice.

Taylor said he doesn’t know exactly when he injured the thumb against the Buccaneers, but said he struggled to grip the ball during the game. In his place, Zack Moss, Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson combined for 157 yards on 28 carries in Sunday’s 30-13 victory over Pittsburgh.

Taylor also missed a Week 13 win over Tennessee and a loss to Cincinnati the following week. Indianapolis is tied atop the AFC North at 8-6 along with Jacksonville and Houston, and the Colts are currently in the final wild card spot in the AFC.

“For me personally, I was sick,” Taylor said. “I knew we would be good as a team because I know the guys we have, the players we have, the mentality we have. I was just sick because I’m like man, another one? I just had my first (surgery). No one likes getting cut open. At all.”

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). He also has 16 catches for 137 yards and one score.

Moss did not practice for the second consecutive day due to a forearm injury. However, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. did return to practice four days after a vicious hit from Damontae Kazee that led to the Steelers safety being ejected from the game and later suspended for the remainder of the season by the NFL.

Kicker Matt Gay returned to limited practice Thursday as he is dealing with a right hip injury.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) scores a touchdown Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Colts’ Jonathan Taylor practices, Michael Pittman Jr. limited

Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was projected as a full participant Wednesday, but not all of the injury news out of Indianapolis was positive.

The Colts held a walkthrough and the injury report is an approximation of health ahead of Week 16.

Taylor’s return appears to be right on cue considering backup running back Zack Moss (forearm) didn’t practice and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. was limited. Moss exited Saturday’s win over Pittsburgh in the first half with an arm injury. Pittman also left Saturday’s game following a vicious helmet-first hit that led to the ejection of Steelers safety Damontae Kazee and a ban of the defensive back for the rest of the season by the league.

One addition to the report not previously known was kicker Matt Gay. He was listed as “DNP” with a right hip injury after missing three field goals and an extra point in the past two games.

Gay is the only kicker on the 53-man roster.

Taylor hasn’t been on the field with the Colts since he was injured during a Nov. 26 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and underwent surgery three days later.

Indianapolis (8-5) plays at Atlanta (6-8) on Sunday.

The Colts beat the Steelers last week, their fifth victory in six games, and are even with the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars in the division race with three regular-season games remaining.

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). 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.

–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

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

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) rushes the ball Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor (thumb) out against Steelers

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor will be out for a third straight game due to a thumb injury.

Head coach Shane Steichen said Thursday that Taylor won’t play Saturday when the Colts (7-6) host the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) in a game crucial to both teams’ wild-card chances in the AFC playoff race.

Steichen also ruled out starting right tackle Braden Smith for the second straight game due to a knee injury.

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.

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

Smith, 27, has started eight games this season and 78 of his 80 games since the Colts drafted him in the second round in 2018.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) rushes the ball Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Colts rule out RB Jonathan Taylor (thumb) for Sunday

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor will miss his second straight game Sunday due to a thumb injury.

Starting right tackle Braden Smith was also ruled out Friday for the Week 14 game at Cincinnati due to a knee injury sustained in last Sunday’s win at Tennessee.

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 ranks second on the Colts (7-5) with 414 rushing yards and four touchdowns in seven games (five starts) this season. He 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.

Smith, 27, has started eight games this season and 78 of his 80 games since the Colts drafted him in the second round in 2018.

–Field Level Media