The drama surrounding Jonathan Taylor’s contract dispute with the Colts intensified on Sunday following a report detailing a major move the club could make with its star running back.
Indianapolis is considering placing Taylor, 24, on the non-football injury list due to an undisclosed back injury he suffered while working out on his own in Arizona, according to Colts reporter Mike Chappell of FOX59 and CBS4 Sports.
Sunday’s report comes in the midst of an increasingly bitter, public back-and-forth between Colts brass and Taylor, who’s currently on the physically unable to perform list due to January ankle surgery.
After months of stalled talks, Taylor requested a trade Saturday, which Colts owner Jim Irsay decisively shot down in the media. Taylor’s request followed a reported meeting with Irsay that came on the heels of the owner admitting the team hasn’t offered the fourth-year pro an extension, in addition to controversial comments about the weak extension market for running backs.
While the reported NFI designation is not official, placing the disgruntled Taylor on the list could have drastic implications on his contract situation and playing status going forward given he’s entering the final year of his rookie deal
If Taylor lands on the NFI list and misses the season, the Colts have the option not to pay him in 2023, meaning his current deal would toll to next offseason. However, if Indy places him on the list and he’s cleared to play, he’d have to miss at least the first four games of the season.
In addition to the impact on his obligations to the Colts, Taylor could see his trade value fluctuate in the coming months should he earn an NFI designation.
As of Sunday night, the Colts have not announced any updates regarding Taylor.
The NFL’s leading rusher in 2021, Taylor is coming off a season where he was limted by an severe ankle sprain en route to finishing the season with 861 yards and four touchdowns in 11 games.
