All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor has decided to continue rehabbing his ankle injury off-site and was not present at Indianapolis Colts’ training camp on Tuesday. Despite injured players typically being expected to be on the field for each practice, Taylor’s absence is part of his ongoing rehabilitation process, according to Coach Shane Steichen. While Steichen did not disclose the specific location of Taylor’s rehab, a source revealed that the Colts were previously informed of his plans to continue his recovery away from the team. It is anticipated that Taylor’s absence will extend for several days.
Contract Standoff
In addition to his injury rehab, Taylor has been engaged in a contract standoff with the Colts. His lack of a contract extension has been a point of contention, and it has been reported that the running back has requested a trade. However, Colts owner Jim Irsay has staunchly rejected the notion of a trade. Taylor is currently entering the final year of his rookie contract and is set to become a free agent next year. Despite the strained relationship, Taylor is said to still hold hope that the team may reconsider his request.
Jonathan Taylor’s on-field performance has been nothing short of exceptional. In 2021, he led the NFL in rushing with an impressive 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns. Since entering the league in 2020, Taylor ranks fourth in the NFL in rushing yards with a total of 3,841 and is tied for second in rushing touchdowns with 33. These remarkable statistics highlight his value as a player and further fuel his desire for a contract extension.
As the Colts gear up for their preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills on Saturday, the absence of Taylor raises questions about the team’s running back situation. In addition to Taylor, two other running backs were unavailable for Tuesday’s practice. Zack Moss suffered a broken arm last week, while Deon Jackson was sidelined due to an unspecified injury. The injuries to Moss and Jackson compound the challenge for the Colts’ coaching staff as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The absence of Jonathan Taylor from Indianapolis Colts training camp and his decision to rehab his ankle injury off-site highlight the tense relationship between the player and the team. As Taylor continues his recovery and awaits a potential resolution to his contract standoff, the Colts must navigate the preseason without their star running back. The upcoming games and practices will not only test the depth of the running back position but also have a significant impact on Taylor’s future with the team. As the preseason progresses, all eyes will be on the Colts and Jonathan Taylor, eagerly awaiting any developments that may shape the upcoming season and the future of the franchise.
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