Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has been diagnosed with a high ankle sprain, an injury that occurred during the 4th quarter of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Taylor, who has a history of ankle issues, including a significant high ankle sprain in the 2022 season that led to surgery and a late-season shutdown, is now facing another period of potential sidelining. Despite his optimism after the game, stating he is '1,000 percent' confident in his recovery, the timeline for his return is uncertain.
Injury Details
The injury occurred on a 1-yard run with 8:11 remaining in the game, after which Taylor did not return. Initial reports indicate that this high ankle sprain is believed to be a mild version, which could suggest a shorter recovery period compared to his previous ankle injuries.
Coach Shane Steichen mentioned that Taylor's status for the upcoming week is uncertain, but it does not appear that he will need to be placed on short-term injured reserve. This is in contrast to defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who was immediately placed on injured reserve after suffering a similar injury earlier in the season.
Impact on the Team
The Colts have backup running backs Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson on their 53-man roster, with Sermon being the top backup. Second-year back Evan Hull is also available on the practice squad. This depth could help mitigate the impact of Taylor's absence, although Taylor has been a significant contributor this season, averaging 4.8 yards per carry and totaling 349 yards and 4 touchdowns on 72 carries.
Historically, high ankle sprains can be challenging to recover from, but the mild nature of this injury suggests that Taylor might be back on the field sooner rather than later. For example, Saquon Barkley returned by Week 6 after suffering a high ankle sprain in Week 2 last year.
Fantasy and Season Implications
For fantasy football owners and Colts fans, the injury is a significant concern. Taylor was on track for another 1,000-yard season before this injury. His absence could impact the team's performance and fantasy lineups, but the mild nature of the sprain offers some hope for a relatively quick recovery.
