Jonathan Taylor made his 2023 season debut during the Indianapolis Colts‘ Week 5 game against the Tennessee Titans.
This was the first week he was eligible to return to the field after being placed on injured reserve.
While Taylor’s first game back might not have yielded big numbers on the box score, his impact on the team is well-documented.
Colts linebacker Zaire Franklin recently appeared on a segment of “Good Morning Football” to discuss Taylor’s return.
“He just makes everybody better,” Franklin said, discussing Taylor’s “homerun-hitting speed, elite footwork, elite vision, with the power to run through arm tackles.”
"JT is just that rare combination of homerun hitting speed, elite footwork, elite vision, with the power to run through arm tackles. Man, he just makes everybody better."@ZiggySmalls_ on @Colts teammate Jonathan Taylor pic.twitter.com/rwddEaF74z
— Good Morning Football (@gmfb) October 11, 2023
Taylor is widely viewed as one of the best running backs in the league.
Franklin’s comments not only help confirm this but demonstrate to fans that his teammates are behind him.
As Taylor gets back to full health, his impact on the Colts’ offense will continue to grow.
This is perfect timing for the Colts, who have just lost Anthony Richardson to the IR for a shoulder injury.
Richardson was a dynamic rookie playmaker for the Colts through their first five games, so this is a devastating blow.
However, Gardner Minshew played well in relief of Richardson, a potential sign that the team can succeed without him.
Having Taylor on the field likely helps any concern as well, given his ability to make big plays.
The Colts are currently tied with the Jacksonville Jaguars for the AFC South lead.
If this team can stay healthy, there is a chance that they will defy the odds and win the division when the year has concluded.
NEXT: Colts Make A Decision On Anthony Richardson’s Status
