During the Indianapolis Colts’ 27-24 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, star running back Jonathan Taylor left the game with an injury. What happened to Taylor, and is he in danger of missing the Colts’ Week 5 contest against the Jacksonville Jaguars?
The Latest on Jonathan Taylor’s Injury
Taylor suffered a high-ankle sprain, and he has been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Taylor didn’t practice this week and while he has downplayed the injury, it will sideline him for at least one game. It’s possible that Taylor could miss multiple games due to this injury.
Dr. David Chao told Pro Football Network: “It is the same ankle where he has had extensive history, and given this, the injured reserve could be considered for him in the short term.”
#JonathanTaylor @Colts
Headed for missed time on same right anklehttps://t.co/RUlUTofVgA pic.twitter.com/rG3IV59nGi— David J. Chao – ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) September 29, 2024
The injury occurred with 8:52 remaining in the fourth quarter against the Steelers. After getting examined and taped along the sideline, Taylor did not return, finishing the game with 21 rushes for 88 yards and a touchdown while adding three catches for 20 yards.
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, it is a “pretty mild” high-ankle sprain, but this type of injury typically requires a four-to-six-week recovery period.
A source told Rapoport that Taylor is “OK,” but it’s still very possible that Taylor is out for a bit. Ankle injuries are especially concerning for Taylor, who missed most of the 2022 season with a sprained ankle.
After the game, Taylor told ESPN’s Stephen Holder, “I’m feeling pretty good. We came out with the win, so I’m excited to attack this week because this is going to be another tough one.”
Asked if he felt confident about the ankle, Taylor said, “Yes, 1000 percent.”
After being held to just 48 rushing yards in Week 1, Taylor eclipsed 100 yards on the ground in each of the past two weeks. He scored two touchdowns in the Colts’ Week 3 win against the Chicago Bears.
Trey Sermon is the Colts’ RB2 and will be in line for a significant workload against the 0-4 Jaguars, who rank ninth worst in expected points added (EPA) per play against the run. However, it’s worth noting that Colts head coach Shane Steichen said they would use an RB-by-committee approach.
Fantasy Outlook for Taylor and Sermon
If you’re looking for Taylor insurance, Sermon is the player to add. Sermon will have a strong Flex ranking on Sunday given the volume he’ll receive and the matchup.
Last season, Taylor’s best game in terms of catches, targets, and receiving yards came against the Jaguars, so this is frustrating for fantasy managers with Taylor. He’s one of the very best in the game, and he would’ve been a top-10 running back this week.
Taylor has been very effective as of late, with a 20-yard rush and at least 20 receiving yards in each of the past three weeks, so he’ll be back in your starting lineup as soon as he’s healthy.