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    • The latest on the Colts running back's ankle
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    The latest on the Colts running back's ankle

    Kathleen William Posted on

    Will Jonathan Taylor play this week? The latest from the Colts running back

    INDIANAPOLIS – Colts Jonathan Taylor likely won't practice on Thursday, but the superstar running back still plans to test the health of his sprained right ankle.

    Taylor's ankle was twisted at the end of Sunday's 21-carry, 88-yard performance by Pittsburgh safety DeShon Elliott, and the Colts running back was unable to return to the game.

    The Colts held Taylor out of practice on Wednesday, and on Thursday it seemed like he was headed that way again.

    “No, probably not today,” Taylor said. “However, I have to estimate first. I’ll go in there and do some stuff, see where things are.”

    Taylor didn't rule out playing against Jacksonville on Sunday, setting a 48-hour timetable for the team's decision, although the team could extend that to 72 hours if necessary.

    The Colts star will test his ability to meet the demands of his position. Unlike other running backs, Taylor's style of play requires him to move in a series of cuts, weaving and weaving through traffic to find a gap.

    A sprained ankle can limit a running back's ability to move from side to side, even if he is able to run in a straight line at nearly full speed.

    “The ability to move, to get in and out of cuts, to explode and burst,” Taylor said. “Especially in my position as a defensive back, these are all difficult cutting positions. That’s the biggest thing.”

    The good news about Taylor's injury is that it is not as serious as the injury he sustained early in the 2022 season. Taylor sat out three of the next five games after suffering that injury, pushed to get back on the field and played four complete games, then the injury aggravated in December, ending his season early and sending him out in January an operation.

    Taylor did not fully recover from that injury until four games into the 2023 season after his contract dispute with the Colts was resolved.

    The injury Taylor suffered on Sunday is not the same.

    “Of course it's actually a sign of relief because it's not as severe as it was before,” Taylor said. “Let’s go over our normal ankle protocol. It’s actually better for me because it’s not as bad as last time.”

    Indianapolis has handled ankle sprains cautiously this season.

    Wide receiver Josh Downs missed six weeks with a high ankle sprain, and the Colts placed defensive tackle DeForest Buckner on injured reserve after he suffered a high ankle sprain against Green Bay.

    The Colts could decide to proceed cautiously with Taylor's recovery.

    “You always have to rest in the beginning because you need time for the injury to calm down,” Taylor said. “But after that, you have to go to work, strengthen it and make sure it can handle that load.”

    If that means playing on Sunday without practicing during the week, Taylor is willing and able to do that.

    Indianapolis has often played against veterans without coaching them, trusting the veterans to internalize the game plan as the week progresses.

    “Practice is very important, practice is important, but at this level you should be able to do your job at a high level,” Taylor said. “Being a true professional means you understand your job, even if you have few, limited, or no employees.”

    The Colts want to make sure Taylor is back on the field as quickly as possible.

    But Indianapolis also wants Taylor back at full strength.

    Jonathan Taylor Status: Would Trey Sermon, Tyler Goodson or a committee replace Jonathan Taylor?

    Who is Jonathan Taylor's backup on the Colts depth chart?

    Trey sermon.

    Who is the best fantasy football waiver wire pickup?

    Sermon is the only other running back to receive a carry from the Colts this season, with 24 yards and 1 touchdown on 9 carries, an average of 2.7 yards per carry. The good news? He has scored more than 5 carries in a game four times in his career, with 240 yards and 1 touchdown on 56 carries (4.3 yard average). The bad news? Sermon was selected in the third round and only averaged more than five carries in a game four times in his career.

    Tyler Goodson (1 catch, 2 yards) is the other running back on the active roster. If Taylor is unable to play, Evan Hull or Trent Pennix could be left off the practice squad.

    What is Colts RB Jonathan Taylor's injury?

    Colts coach Shane Steichen said Taylor is dealing with an ankle sprain. Media has reported that it is a severe ankle sprain that generally has a recovery period of 4 to 6 weeks, but may take shorter or longer to heal.

    What are Colts RB Jonathan Taylor's stats for the 2024 NFL season?

    Jonathan Taylor has rushed for 349 yards and 4 touchdowns on 72 carries this season, averaging 4.8 yards. He caught 6 passes for 77 yards, an average of 12.8 yards.

    How long is Colts RB Jonathan Taylor's contract?

    According to Spotrac.com, Jonathan Taylor signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Colts last season. This included a $10.248 million signing bonus with $26.5 million guaranteed. Taylor is making a base salary of $7,804,000 this season with a dead cap hit of $23,152,445, per Sportrac.

    Is Colts RB Jonathan Taylor the highest paid NFL running back?

    Jonathan Taylor has the third-highest average salary among NFL running backs at $14 million per year. Ahead of him are Christian McCaffrey ($19 million) and Alvin Kamara ($15 million).

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    Kathleen William
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