The dynamic backfield duo featuring Taylor and Richardson combined for 288 of Indy’s single-game record-breaking 335 rushing yards against the Titans. It was the most rushing yards the tandem has ever accumulated together and the most rushing yards any NFL team has collected this season.
As the Indianapolis Colts prepare for their second trip to MetLife Stadium this season, the opposing main attractions may be unavailable to play. With the fate of the Colts (7-8) season dependent on an improbable Chargers (9-6) loss in Foxborough on Saturday, there may be little reason to risk the health of the franchise signal caller against the dregs of the NFL.
Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson did not participate in practice this week while recovering from back and foot injuries. In the Colts 38-30 win over the Titans, Richardson ran for a career-best 70 rushing yards on nine carries and scored his sixth rushing TD, which set the franchise record for the most rushing touchdowns in a single season by a QB.
Added to the books. pic.twitter.com/c73vdsTIED
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 24, 2024
Indy’s fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft has showcased what he is capable of as a runner and the ability to put his team on his back and lead two game-winning drives. Colts head coach Shane Steichen has consistently been a proponent of using Richardson’s legs heavily in the offensive scheme. No signal caller in franchise history has rushed for more yards in a single season than Richardson, who has 499 rushing yards on 86 carries in 2024, averaging 5.8 yards per carry.
“I think just with everything, like even as a passer, as a runner, the more reps, you continue to develop in those areas,” Steichen told reporters. “He’s running the ball really good, obviously with the designed runs that we have. He’s seeing it well. He’s making big plays, making guys miss and he’s doing a hell of a job with it.”
The Colts aren’t ruling Anthony Richardson out.
But I can only recall one player playing in a game after missing the full week of practice under Shane Steichen, and that was Josh Downs in Germany. And he only played third downs.
Expect Joe Flacco to start.
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) December 27, 2024
Colts running back Jonathan Taylor earned AFC Offensive Player of the Week following his phenomenal performance with 218 rushing yards and three touchdowns in the Week 16 win. The dynamic backfield duo featuring Taylor and Richardson combined for 288 of Indy’s single-game record-breaking 335 rushing yards against the Titans. It was the most rushing yards the tandem has ever accumulated together and the most rushing yards any NFL team has collected this season. Taylor is posting the best season since his 2021 All-Pro campaign, rushing for 1,129 yards and eight touchdowns on 237 carries, averaging 4.8 yards per carry.
“Once you have a play like that, you just energize the whole team.” #INDvsNYG 12/29 on FOX pic.twitter.com/B6n1ONAyfc
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) December 26, 2024
Taylor joined NFL Hall of Famer Edgerrin James – six-time AFC Offensive Player of the Week honoree – as the only other running back in franchise history to earn the award at least three times. Indy’s “bell cow” tailback is fetching a career-high 19.8 carries per game and may be given a substantial amount of designed plays to ignite the offense this Sunday. Opponents average a whopping 142.6 rushing yards per game against the Giants, which ranks 31st in the NFL.
Giants rookie receiver Malik Nabers was a limited participant in Friday’s practice and is listed as questionable due to a toe injury. New York’s sixth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft has thrived despite the turmoil surrounding the franchise. Nabers needs just 31 receiving yards to join Odell Beckham Jr. as the second rookie in franchise history to eclipse 1,000 receiving yards. Nabers broke Beckham’s rookie franchise record of 91 receptions during Sunday’s loss to the Falcons.
New York’s offense ranks dead last in yards per play, yards per game and scoring, averaging just 14.3 points per game. The Giants (2-13) have lost 10 consecutive games, including all eight home games this season. Neither player has been officially ruled out just yet, but Sunday’s meaningless affair could get lost in the ugly shuffle of 1 p.m. games.
