Indianapolis Colts’ Star Running Back, Faces Sideline Stint Due to Thumb Surgery: Team Evaluates Potential IR Placement

Just as Jonathan Taylor was hitting his stride, another injury halted his progress. The Indianapolis Colts owner, Jim Irsay, informed The Athletic’s James Boyd on Tuesday that Taylor is scheduled for thumb surgery, forcing him to sit out for several weeks.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport, who earlier reported Taylor’s thumb injury putting his playing status in jeopardy, added that a decision on placing Taylor on injured reserve, which would mean missing a minimum of four games, is pending and will be determined later this week.

In recent weeks, Taylor showcased his peak form, recording a season-high 23 carries for 69 yards and a touchdown in a Week 10 victory over the New England Patriots. He followed this with a season-best performance, rushing for 91 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries in a win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday. Despite playing through the second half against the Bucs with a thumb injury, Taylor continued to contribute.

This setback comes after Taylor’s earlier absence in the 2023 season’s first four games due to a lingering ankle injury from the previous year. In addition to grappling with injuries, Taylor navigated a contract standoff with the Colts, culminating in a three-year, $42 million contract extension in October.

While Taylor’s absence is undoubtedly a setback for the Colts, who have secured three consecutive wins and currently hold the AFC playoff’s No. 7 seed, they are not unfamiliar with playing without him. Zack Moss, leading the team in rushing yards with 672, has also notched five touchdowns and a team-high 141 carries. In Taylor’s absence, Moss is poised to reassume the bell-cow role as the Colts’ primary rushing option as Taylor recovers.

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