Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor will be eligible to return off the physically unable-to-perform list after this Week’s slate of football games. Taylor, who requested a trade during the preseason, remains at odds with the Colts over a long-term contract.
Experts expect Taylor to be traded soon after his return. Previously it was revealed the Miami Dolphins and Green Bay Packers were teams interested in Taylor before the regular season started. A new report on Taylor’s situation has highlighted additional suitors for the All-Pro running back.
According to Colts insider Destin Adams, the Washington Commanders, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Rams, and Kansas City Chiefs have also checked with the Colts about Taylor at some point since the season started.
The Commanders may be the most surprising team. Washington entered the season with three running backs the team drafted over the past four years — Brian Robinson Jr., Antonio Gibson, and rookie Chris Rodriguez.
After struggles in Week 1, the group has flashed over the past two games. Robinson had 129 total yards and two touchdowns in a Week 2 win over the Denver Broncos. However, in last week’s loss to the Buffalo Bills, offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy lost sight of Robinson and the run game.
Meanwhile, Gibson had his second fumble of the season against the Bills, and he has eight fumbles lost since he entered the league in 2020.
Robinson has struggled recently in pass protection. Gibson has become untrustworthy. Rodriguez is still green and not getting a great deal of offensive snaps.
The Colts are off to a 2-1 start without Taylor. Zack Moss has taken control of the lead running back position with 210 rushing yards and two total touchdowns in two games.
Jonathan Taylor, who led the NFL with 1,811 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns in 2021, is in the final year of his rookie contract.
Moving Taylor in a trade is a strong possibility. Any trade may have to include giving Taylor an extension. Unless a team is willing to reach the Colts’ asking price for a one-year rental, and Taylor opts to step on the field without a long-term deal in place. It will be interesting to see if the Commanders’ name remains in the Taylor sweepstakes as the Cot. 31 trade deadline approaches.
