Jonathan Taylor Injury Update

Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, dealing with a lingering ankle injury, will not practice on Wednesday, casting serious doubt on his availability for the upcoming game against the Titans. Head Coach Shane Steichen confirmed Taylor’s absence, suggesting he may miss his third consecutive game. This extended recovery has forced the Colts to turn to other options, namely Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson, to fill the backfield void in his absence. Taylor’s potential long-term absence could continue to impact Indianapolis's ground game and fantasy managers alike.

Colts fans and fantasy owners alike are disappointed, as Taylor’s expected production has not yet materialized this season. Although he was a top draft pick in fantasy leagues, his absence has left managers scrambling for viable replacements.

Fantasy Impact: Sermon and Goodson to Share the Load

With Taylor sidelined, Trey Sermon emerged as the primary back for the Colts in Week 5, handling 10 carries and six targets, while Tyler Goodson contributed with five carries and three targets. This split suggests a likely committee approach for Week 6, with Sermon serving as the primary ball carrier and Goodson getting occasional work. Fantasy managers in need of a short-term RB option may consider Sermon a worthy flex play for Week 6, though expectations should be tempered due to the likely shared workload.

Goodson, on the other hand, is better suited as a stash in deeper leagues or as a last-resort option, given his limited involvement. Although neither back offers the same upside as Taylor, Sermon’s ability to handle a heavier load makes him the preferred choice for those needing help in the short term. If you’re looking for an RB2 or FLEX, Sermon could provide steady, if unspectacular, production until Taylor is ready to return.

What the Colts’ Offense Looks Like Without Taylor

Without Taylor, the Colts’ offense has leaned more heavily on its passing game and shorter-yardage plays, relying on Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs to pick up the slack. Quarterback Anthony Richardson has also taken on additional rushing responsibilities, providing an added dimension to the Colts’ offense. While this strategy has kept the Colts competitive, the absence of a bell-cow back like Taylor has undoubtedly affected the offense’s overall rhythm.

The Colts will likely continue to employ a balanced attack against the Titans, utilizing a mix of passing plays and rotational running backs. This adjustment could further impact Sermon’s and Goodson’s roles, especially if Indianapolis falls behind early and turns to a more pass-heavy scheme.

Outlook for Jonathan Taylor’s Return

Taylor’s inability to practice continues to raise concerns over his recovery timeline. While the Colts have not placed him on IR, suggesting a return in the near future, his absence in practice indicates that he may not be ready for Week 7 either. Fantasy managers should keep a close watch on Taylor’s practice reports as the season progresses, but it’s wise to have backup options available given the uncertainty surrounding his status.

If Taylor is able to practice next week, it will provide a clearer picture for his potential Week 7 return. For now, managers should plan for at least another week without Taylor, making Sermon and Goodson valuable fill-ins.