The Indianapolis Colts placed Jonathan Taylor on the Physically Unable to Perform list. The reason cited is offseason ankle surgery, though it is clear the star RB is a holding out.
Jonathan Taylor has made it known that he is unhappy with his contract and looking for an extension, casting doubt on if the injury is real or a negotiation tactic. Doubts on the severity of Jonathan Taylor’s injury have been accelerated after Jim Irsay sent a late-night tweet calling Taylor and his agent “bad faith” negotiators.
Jonathan Taylor will not practice for the foreseeable future, and his return date is TBD. The unfortunate reality for JT, and other running backs, is that they hold next to no leverage in these negotiations. If the Colts refuse to sign Taylor to a contract extension before the season, any games missed while on the PUP will be held against him in future negotiations. Best case scenario: the Indianapolis Colts sign Jonathan Taylor to an extension and he is set to play all 17 games.
Worst case scenario: the Indianapolis Colts do not sign Jonathan Taylor and he is forced to play 17 games in order to put together the requisite film to receive an extension in 2024. Zack Moss, Deon Jackson, and rookie Evan Hull will compete for Fist Team reps in Taylor’s absence, but do not figure to have a fantasy relevant role barring a real injury.
