Indianapolis Colts Face Uncertainty at Running Back Position

The Indianapolis Colts will enter their season opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars with Deon Jackson as their starting running back. Originally a third-string option, Jackson’s unexpected promotion highlights the team’s current predicament at the position. What was once considered a position of strength has now become a major question mark.

This uncertainty is expected to persist for the next few games, and quite possibly beyond, as the Colts’ starting running back, Jonathan Taylor, remains on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list. Taylor’s absence will continue at least until the team’s Week 4 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.

The Colts now face an extensive list of potential options and scenarios, according to sources. All possibilities are being considered in order to find the best solution. Sources confirm that Taylor is in good health and would likely pass a physical examination if required, indicating he could be taken off the PUP list as soon as permitted. The Colts placed Taylor on the list on August 29 due to his ongoing recovery from ankle surgery during the offseason.

Earlier in August, Taylor expressed interest in seeking a trade, with the Miami Dolphins and Green Bay Packers emerging as potential landing spots. Green Bay had offered two mid-round draft picks for Taylor. However, sources now reveal that talks between the Colts and Packers have come to an end since the start of the regular season.

Despite this, sources suggest that the Miami Dolphins could still be a viable option for Taylor. Extensive discussions took place between Colts general manager Chris Ballard and Miami’s management, exploring different possibilities involving draft picks and player exchanges. However, no deal reached a close in late August.

As the Colts have four weeks to evaluate their current options, it remains possible for the Dolphins to re-enter negotiations. Additionally, if injuries occur or performances fall short, another team in need of a high-quality running back could emerge as a potential suitor for Taylor.

There is also a slim chance that Taylor may return to play for the Colts. This, however, would likely require a contract extension, which the team has not yet been willing to offer. Taylor is reported to be training diligently during this time, while tensions surrounding the situation begin to ease.

All parties involved now have four weeks to come to a mutually beneficial conclusion, putting an end to the summer-long drama surrounding Taylor’s future.

In other news around the NFL, there are concerns that Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins has suffered a torn Achilles tendon, as reported by NFL Network insiders. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers failed to reach an extension agreement with wide receiver Mike Evans before the start of the season, but his departure from the team is unlikely in the immediate future.

Stay updated with the latest injury reports and news from all Sunday games in Week 1 of the 2023 NFL season on NFL.com.