The Indianapolis Colts walked away from Week 1 with a decisive victory, but not without a scare. While the team showcased surprising dominance against the Miami Dolphins, their celebration was tempered by an injury to star running back Jonathan Taylor.
With new quarterback Daniel Jones leading an unexpectedly potent offense, the Colts looked like a team reborn. The biggest question now is whether the impressive win was a sign of things to come or if the early exit of their best player hints at familiar challenges ahead.
How Serious Is Jonathan Taylor’s Injury?
Fortunately, the news on Jonathan Taylor seems positive. According to Colts head coach Shane Steichen, the running back is “good” after leaving the game with a neck injury.
On Monday, Steichen also mentioned that Taylor likely could have returned to the game if needed.
Steichen said Jonathan Taylor “is good” following his exit yesterday. Said he probably could’ve come back in.
Steichen confirmed Jaylon Jones injured the same hamstring as before, and they’re “working through that.”
— Jake Arthur (@JakeArthurNFL) September 8, 2025
There was little reason to risk putting Taylor back on the field, especially since Indianapolis held a 23-point lead heading into the fourth quarter.
Before his exit, he had a strong start, rushing 18 times for 71 yards and catching three passes for 27 yards. His absence did, however, give the team a chance to see rookie D.J. Giddens in action, and he rushed 12 times for 41 yards.
Still, any injury concern for Taylor is cause for alarm, as he has not played a full season since 2021. His health is a major factor in the Colts’ offensive success, and having him on the field opens up the entire playbook, giving Indianapolis a real chance to be a threat in the AFC South.
Should We Buy Into the Colts’ Week 1 Win?
It’s always risky to draw big conclusions from a single game, but the Colts’ performance against the Dolphins was nothing short of dominant. Much of that credit goes to Steichen, who had his team prepared and firing on all cylinders.
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Quarterback Daniel Jones played very well in his team debut, leading scoring drives on all seven of the team’s possessions. However, the Dolphins also appeared disinterested at times, making it hard to gauge the true strength of the win.
The main reason for caution is Jones himself. Throughout his career, he has struggled to win games consistently, holding a 25-44-1 record as a starter. Plus, he has not thrown for more than 16 touchdowns in a season since 2019.
While Steichen is the best offensive play-caller Jones has ever worked with, expecting a complete career turnaround this late is a big ask.
For now, Indianapolis will likely remain a run-heavy team, which could give Taylor the opportunity for a career year if he stays healthy. But before anyone starts viewing the Colts as serious playoff contenders, they will need to deliver more performances like the one they had in Week 1.
