Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor started the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list but is eligible to make his 2023 debut in Week 5 of NFL action.
The question that looms large for fantasy football managers is whether or not Taylor will return to the field against the Tennessee Titans. Let’s take a closer look.
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Latest Injury News Surrounding Jonathan Taylor
Outside of reports from ESPN’s Adam Schefter suggesting Taylor received a physical, we haven’t heard very much more with regard to Taylor and the status of his ankle injury.
Jonathan Taylor, who now is on Physically Unable to Perform List through Week 4 due to an ankle injury, is “going to pass his physical and could pass it today,” per source. Taylor is planning to be ready to play as early as Week 5, when he is eligible to come off the PUP list.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 10, 2023
It would appear, though — barring any setbacks — that Taylor should be able to come off of the PUP list and return to the field in Week 5.
Will Taylor Return to the Field in Week 5?
The bigger question now becomes, will he be returning to the field as a member of the Colts or another NFL franchise via trade?
MORE: Fantasy Football RB Week 4 Trade Targets
Indianapolis entertained offers from multiple teams after Taylor requested a trade during training camp due to a contract dispute. Reportedly, the two teams who had real trade talks with the Colts were the Green Bay Packers and Miami Dolphins. A deal never materialized, and Taylor was subsequently placed on the PUP list by the organization.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like Taylor has changed his stance on wanting out of Indianapolis.
𝗨𝗣𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗘: Jonathan Taylor still wants out of Indianapolis and the #Colts still appear unwilling to sign Taylor to a contract extension, says @DanGrazianoESPN
Nothing seems to have changed. Jonathan Taylor can come off of the PUP list soon.
(H/T: @uSTADIUM) pic.twitter.com/xFT8mU5KkY
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) September 27, 2023
Although Taylor’s trade request still stands, it is worth noting that the market for his services has changed drastically since these deals were in the works around a month ago.
The Dolphins currently lead the league in rushing through the first three weeks of the season and are unlikely to give up a significant amount of draft compensation for Taylor because of how Raheem Mostert and De’Von Achane are playing at the moment.
However, that doesn’t mean other teams who have been ravaged by injuries may not be interested.
The Baltimore Ravens, once again, are dealing with multiple injuries in their backfield, and the Cleveland Browns just lost Nick Chubb for the season due to a knee injury.
Could one of these teams potentially make a play for Taylor? Possibly, but at this very moment, a deal doesn’t appear to be imminent.
What Does This Mean for Taylor’s Fantasy Ranking?
Zack Moss is currently the RB13 in PPR formats after seeing 54 touches in just two weeks. If Taylor returns to play for the Colts, he should just go right back into the top-10 picture at the RB position, given the surprising production from the Colts offense to start the season.
MORE: PFN Consensus Rankings
Taylor is a dynamic talent with a true RB1 overall ceiling when on the field. But until we get some clarification on his ankle — via practice participation — and which team he’ll be playing for, it’s hard to pencil him as a top-5 option at the position for his Week 5 matchup against a stout Titans run defense.