Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor reportedly suffered a lower grade high-ankle sprain, but still could be back in time for Week 5.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Indianapolis Colts star workhorse Jonathan Taylor has been diagnosed with a ‘pretty mild’ high-ankle sprain following Sunday’s upset home victory against the once undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1):
#Colts star RB Jonathan Taylor was diagnosed with a high-ankle sprain, sources say, thought it’s believed to be a pretty mild version. Indy will get a full report tomorrow, but in the words of one source, “He’s ok.”
Taylor gained 108 yards from scrimmage and a TD today. pic.twitter.com/k55kk2hqYq
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 30, 2024
On a 2nd & 8 carry with 8:52 left in the 4th quarter, Taylor’s right ankle got caught in the Lucas Oil Stadium turf as he planted, and it rolled under him a bit. Even after getting his ankle taped along the sidelines, Taylor did not return to the game, as it was his primary backup, Trey Sermon, who got the next four carries to finish out regulation.
On the season, Taylor has 72 carries for 349 total rushing yards (4.8 ypc. avg.) and 4 rushing touchdowns during all 4 starts. Despite leaving prematurely, he nearly got to 100 rushing yards again against the Steelers vaunted defense, as he finished with 21 carries for 88 total rushing yards (4.2 ypc. avg.) and a rushing touchdown on Sunday.
While a lot can change—particularly as the swelling potentially sets in, Taylor said post-game that he “planned to attack this week and get ready for another one big one Sunday”:
Caught up w/ Colts RB Jonathan Taylor after win on establishing physicality in run game + being amazed by Joe Flacco.
On how he feels physically/ankle, Taylor told me he plans to attack this week & get ready for another big one Sunday.
Full interview on @nflnetwork @NFLGameDay: pic.twitter.com/oTmWiNYZTd
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) September 29, 2024
The Colts could elect to be cautious with Taylor’s latest ankle sprain; however, as it’s the same once troublesome right ankle that caused him to miss 6 games during the 2022 regular season and then lingered into 2023—as he began last year on regular season PUP, missing Indy’s first four games.
Right now, the Colts offense behind center is currently in flux entering Week 5, as 2nd-year starting quarterback Anthony Richardson suffered a reported ‘hip pointer’ during Sunday’s win, while Taylor is now battling a high-ankle sprain. Both players seem to be okay, but the Colts and the player could always err on the side of caution.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see longtime NFL veteran Joe Flacco at starting quarterback, with Trey Sermon handling the ‘between-the-tackles’ work during Taylor’s short-term absence (and Tyler Goodson handling the pass catching duties) next week.
However, if either Taylor or Richardson misses time, it shouldn’t be much, and Colts fans can still hold out realistic optimism early this week that both offensive players could be back for next Sunday’s AFC South road game against the rival Jacksonville Jaguars.
