While the AFC South is up for grabs, the Indianapolis Colts have some concerning news going into their next game.
With the team struggling in the passing game, they have a running back that can help energize their offense.
However, it looks like their star running back, Jonathan Taylor, is rehabbing his injury during the Colts practice time.
Jonathan Taylor rehabbing off to the side https://t.co/qn6F8FOIOr
— Zak Keefer (@zkeefer) October 12, 2022
While the rehabbing is concerning, it’s also a sign the injury isn’t too serious.
So what does this sideline rehab work mean for the Colts and Taylor going into week six?
Taylor’s Availability For Sunday Still Unknown
With the star running back on the sidelines, and not practicing, it’s clear he’s still not ready to return.
However, there’s hope he can be ready for the Colts’ home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
While fans are holding out for his return, it’s also possible the Colts hold him out again.
He missed the Colts week five Thursday night game against the Denver Broncos, giving him extra time to recover.
But with him missing the first practice of the week, it’s not a good sign for the Colts.
With the team’s horrible performance against the Broncos, they need someone to help their offense.
Taylor was the guy last year that energized the Colts offense, as he was the top rusher in the NFL last season.
Even Derrick Henry, the Tennessee Titans running back, agrees Taylor is a top-tier running back.
Henry on Colts’ Jonathan Taylor: He’s one of the best, if not the best, running back in the league. He’s a top playmaker for Indy. pic.twitter.com/BbjNd0hbpg
— Ben Arthur (@benyarthur) September 29, 2022
However, will this injury slow him down when he returns to action?
Taylor’s Performance After Returning From His Injury Will Define Him
While the 2021 season was a breakout season for the Colts’ running back, 2022 isn’t starting the same way.
He’s showing a steep decline in production, something fantasy football players are pointing out.
Jonathan Taylor is OUT Thursday @ Denver.
Outside of week 1, Taylor's production has very disappointing. However, he's seeing more volume than last season.
Opportunities per game:
2022: 24.25
2021: 22.53Taylor is an excellent buy-low candidate.#FantasyFootball #ForTheShoe pic.twitter.com/NMPPZGNMdt
— TJM Studios (@TJMStudiosFF) October 5, 2022
However, these people point out how he’s seeing an increase in volume over his 2021 season.
With opponents knowing the Colts’ best weapon is Taylor, the pressure is on him to dominate those defenses.
While he can do this, it might be slightly difficult with him returning from an ankle injury.
That injury can slow him down, allowing defenses to seize their chance to stop the star running back.
But Taylor can define himself with a strong return from his injury.
If he doesn’t, the disappointment may continue for both him and his team.
There’s No Replacing Taylor On The Colts Offense
It’s clear the Colts need a dominant running game this season to have any hopes of reaching the playoffs.
However, the only person able to dominate the defense is Taylor.
No one else on the Colts’ roster compares to him.
While the team has Phillip Lindsay, he isn’t the same caliber as the Colts star running back.
So with their star player nursing his injury, they now look to other talent to help hold up the Colts’ offense.
But Colts fans know this offense is fueled by one player, and that player isn’t quarterback Matt Ryan.
That is why it’s important for Taylor to return to the offense, but only when he’s at 100%.
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