August 29 update: The Colts were unable to find a trade for Taylor and he is expected to remain on the PUP list, missing at least the first four games of the 2023 regular season, per reports. Itās unclear if Taylor will be dealt at some point during the season or sit out. Deon Jackson, Zack Moss and Evan Hull are the three RBs who should be on the Coltsā roster to start the season. Moss could miss time due to a broken arm. Jackson and Hull could split time in the backfield early on before Moss is back.
August 21 update: The Colts have given Taylor permission to seek a trade partner, which means he could be on the way out. The Dolphins and Bears appear to be the top contenders for Taylor, although a team like the Chiefs or Ravens could also get involved.
If Taylor is out, it looks like Deon Jackson would be the starting running back if the Colts donāt add another player. Zack Moss is dealing with an arm injury and is out for at least a few more weeks. Heād be in line for some carries if healthy, but Jackson would be the running back to invest in for fantasy football purposes at this time.
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was the No. 1 draft pick in almost all fantasy leagues in 2022. Unfortunately, it was an underperforming season for Taylor as he dealt with a few injuries and didnāt put up major stats when he was on the field. Heading into 2023, in the final year of his contract, he showed up for traning camp, but was placed on the PUP list.
Colts starting running back: Jonathan Taylor
Taylor is the starter when healthy and on the field, but the biggest question revolves around his contract. He is at training camp but is not practicing due to what is being described as an ankle injury. It could be more of a āhold inā as Taylor asked for a trade and wants a new contract.
When Taylor is on the field, he gets the carries. For example, in 2021, Taylor had 332 carries compared to 56 for Nyheim Hines who was RB2 at the time. Looking to the 2023 season, Iād expect Taylor to get back to that workload if he can stay healthy.
In 2022, Taylor played in 11 games rushing for 861 yards and four touchdowns. He also added 28 receptions for 43 yards. He led the league in carries, yards, and touchdowns the year before.
Who is Taylorās backup on the Colts RB depth chart?
Zack Moss was expected to take a step forward as the RB2 in Indianapolis this season, but he broke his arm at training camp in late July. That moves rookie Evan Hull up the depth chart behind Taylor. The Colts drafted Hull in the 5th round of the 2023 NFL Draft. I expect Hullās role to grow throughout the season as he gets used to the NFL. Heās a strong, power running back who can earn a big role for this team in the red zone. If the Colts donāt figure out Taylorās contract, Hull could be using this season as a tryout for RB1 in 2024.
As for Moss, there was some promise for him in Buffalo, but he was never able to find his footing with the Buffalo Bills. If Hull does not firmly take the No. 2 job, Moss could gain a more reserved role this season as they hope to keep him fresh and get the most out of his limited carries. In his eight games with the Colts last season, he was solid as he rushed for 365 yards.
