Indianapolis Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor missed the Week 5 prime-time win over the Denver Broncos due to an ankle injury, but there is hope he can return when the team gets back on the field for Week 6.
Coming off of a win—a sloppy one but a win nonetheless—the Colts need every bit of help they can get on the offensive side of the ball. Balancing the need for Taylor without pushing him too quickly to return will be a fine line to balance.
However, head coach Frank Reich had optimism following Thursday night’s game that Taylor could make his return in Week 6.
Nyheim Hines actually apologized to the coaches for leaving Thursday’s game and wanted back in, per Frank Reich. But Colts (smartly) held him out. He remains in the concussion protocol.
Reich did say late last night team is optimistic that Jonathan Taylor can return next week.
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) October 7, 2022
There is still a long way to go for Taylor, who is reportedly dealing with a high-ankle sprain. Having played on Thursday night gives Taylor a few extra days of rest, which helps considering he didn’t practice at all during the short week.
Taylor’s season hasn’t gotten off to a start that was expected of him. Following his 161-yard performance in Week 1, the star running back hasn’t had more than 71 rushing yards in a game and has averaged just 2.76 yards per carry over the last two games.
Regardless, the Colts need Taylor to return healthy if they want a shot at the division, which is still up for grabs. They host the Jacksonville Jaguars for a rematch of the 24-0 drubbing in Week 2, and Nyheim Hines is currently in the league’s concussion protocol.
We’ll know more about Taylor’s injury situation when Reich meets the media Monday and Wednesday leading into Week 6. The injury reports throughout the week also will give us a better idea of the progress he’s making.
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