Jonathan Taylor Injury Update: Latest on Indianapolis Colts RB

Jonathan Taylor is one of the most talented running backs in the NFL. However, the Indianapolis Colts RB is currently excused from camp to deal with personal issues after requesting a trade.

Taylor is dealing with more than just personal issues, though. Additionally, the talented RB is still working his way back to full health from an ankle injury he suffered last season.

Who will Indianapolis turn to while Taylor is away? Fantasy football managers have a tough decision to make on taking the star running back with one of their top picks in 2023 drafts. Let’s break everything down here.

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What Happened to Jonathan Taylor?

Taylor returned to Colts camp previously while reportedly rehabbing an injured ankle he suffered in Week 15 last year. However, the Colts excused Taylor from the team while he deals with a legitimate personal matter that could sideline him from the rest of the roster for quite a while.

At the time of writing, it’s uncertain just how long JT will be away from the Colts as they prepare for the 2023 NFL season.

What Are the Colts’ Options if Taylor Misses Time?

Taylor’s primary backup, Zack Moss, recently had surgery on a broken arm suffered during practice. However, Moss should be ready in time for Week 1.
Last week’s preseason game vs. Buffalo showed a preview of what to expect from the Colts’ rushing attack without Taylor and Moss, as rookie fifth-round pick Evan Hull and third-year veteran Deon Jackson split the half.

Jackson had the better rushing day, recording six carries for 35 rushing yards (5.6 yards per carry), while Hull saw action in the passing game, catching both of his targets for 18 yards.

What Does This Mean for Taylor’s Fantasy Rankings?

Taylor’s ADP has fallen from the first round to the middle of the second round in drafts with huge question marks about his status with the team and injury. If he returns to the team, how will he perform with the Colts’ new starter at quarterback, rookie Anthony Richardson?

Taylor is a young and highly talented player, finishing as the top running back in 2021. However, fantasy managers must weigh all that risk with one of their top selections.

Therefore, drafting a running back with a lower ADP — but a more straightforward path to success — may be fantasy managers’ best option.

Other players that are around Taylor in our PFN Consensus Rankings are Rhamondre Stevenson, Travis Etienne, and Aaron Jones. If you’re drafting today, going with one of the other RBs in this range may be a wise decision.