Jonathan Taylor contract status: Colts navigate early season turbulence

As the Indianapolis Colts gear up for the start of the 2023 NFL season, they find themselves facing an unexpected and challenging situation in their backfield. Star running back Jonathan Taylor, a key pillar of their offense, will be conspicuously absent as the team kicks off its campaign. Taylor’s absence is a result of his placement on the reserve/physically unable to perform (PUP) list, casting a shadow of uncertainty over the Colts’ running game.

The exact duration of Taylor’s absence remains shrouded in ambiguity, leaving Colts fans and fantasy football enthusiasts alike speculating on when they can expect to see their dynamic running back in action.

Colts’ head coach Shane Steichen has addressed the situation, revealing that the team’s plan is to adopt a “running back by committee” approach in Taylor’s absence. This strategy, though not uncommon in the NFL, leaves many questions about how this committee will take shape.

Who will Colts play?

As of now, the Colts have three running backs on their active roster. However, Zack Moss, who could be a significant part of this committee, is still recovering from a broken arm sustained during training camp. This leaves the Colts with only two available running backs for Week 1 – Deon Jackson and fifth-round pick Evan Hull – assuming Moss is unable to play.

Coach Steichen provided an update on Moss’s progress, indicating that the team’s training staff has been diligently working on his conditioning. While Moss hasn’t yet participated in full football activities with the team, his return remains uncertain. To bolster their options, the Colts even held tryouts for additional running backs, considering the possibility of adding depth to the backfield.

With the first injury report of the season looming on the horizon, the status of Zack Moss will become clearer. Regardless of Moss’s availability, it’s evident that the Colts will be relying on a committee of running backs for the foreseeable future, a strategy necessitated by Jonathan Taylor’s unavailability.

The primary reason for Taylor’s absence is a lingering ankle issue that persisted even after surgery earlier this year. His return date remains uncertain, raising questions about how the Colts will navigate the running game in his absence. Coach Steichen will have to make do with the available talent and adapt as the situation evolves.

Contract status

One key factor to consider is Taylor’s contract situation. With his rookie contract expiring after this season, Taylor stands to earn just over four million dollars in 2023. If he remains on the PUP list throughout the season, he will still receive his salary. However, his contract will toll, essentially resetting for another year, if he spends the entire season on the PUP list. This scenario would potentially keep him with the Colts for another year, but it’s unclear if that’s in Taylor’s best interest.

Another intriguing possibility is the prospect of a holdout. If team doctors clear Taylor to return to practice, but he chooses not to, he would forfeit nearly $240,000 for every game missed. While this might help preserve his body, it comes at a significant financial cost.

The Colts still have the option to trade Jonathan Taylor, but the chances of this happening are slim due to the asking price and the team’s reluctance to part with a star player. General Manager Chris Ballard has expressed his desire to work through the issues with Taylor and repair the relationship between the player and the team. Contract disputes are not uncommon in the NFL, and there’s still time for reconciliation during Taylor’s recovery period.