The Colts are staring at one of the biggest decisions of their week, and Jonathan Taylor is right at the center of it.
With Sunday’s matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars looming, Indianapolis has to decide whether its star running back takes the field or stays on the sideline while trade talks continue to build. The concern is obvious: if Taylor plays, there’s always the chance of an injury that could dent his value. If he doesn’t, the Colts avoid that risk while they sort through a situation that could send one of their top players elsewhere.
The timing only makes it more tense. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the latest on Taylor Saturday morning as the Colts were preparing to fly to Jacksonville, and the question hanging over the team is still the same one: will he suit up Sunday?
This comes during a chaotic stretch for Indianapolis, which has already moved major names such as DeForest Buckner and Quenton Nelson to the NFC West. Taylor could be next, and wide receiver Josh Downs is also showing up in trade chatter as the Colts continue to add draft picks.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said the market around Taylor is real, and he passed along what teams around the league are saying about his value. “Teams I’ve talked to believe he’s worth a second-round pick and more.
If you can get a package of, say, a second and a third-rounder, let’s say, this is a team that’s trying to replenish their draft capital. It could come to a head,” Fowler said.
He also pointed to the uncertainty around whether Taylor will actually play against Jacksonville. “The question now becomes: does he play on Sunday?
Because he’s been part of the game plan. When I checked last night [Friday] with coaches there, they were expecting Taylor to play, but sometimes, does he?”
Fowler added.
The Colts could end up taking a page from the Arizona Cardinals, who recently held Marvin Harrison Jr. out while a possible trade to the Houston Texans developed. But Indianapolis has not reached any agreement involving Taylor yet, even with multiple teams reportedly interested.
That interest matters, because more than one buyer could push the talks forward. For now, though, the Colts still have to make their call before heading to Jacksonville. And until they do, Taylor’s availability is the story hanging over Sunday’s game.
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