Jonathan Taylor to be activated this week, returning to practice Wednesday

The Colts might be getting their Pro Bowl running back for Week 5. Head coach Shane Steichen said that Jonathan Taylor will finally be activated this week and is expected to practice on Wednesday.

Because of injury and contract disputes, Taylor has missed the first four games of the 2023 season for Indianapolis. He also skipped most of training camp during the offseason.

Stephen Holder of ESPN reported on Steichen’s comments on Monday.

NEWS: Colts coach Shane Steichen says Jonathan Taylor will be activated this week and is scheduled to practice on Wednesday.

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) October 2, 2023

Indianapolis is off to a 2-2 start this season but the run game has lacked significant punch with Taylor out of the lineup. He could provide the offense with a spark if he returns to the field at full strength.

The Colts host the Titans on Sunday. Both teams enter that contest with 2-2 records, making it a pivotal AFC South showdown. If Taylor plays, he could be the difference for Indianapolis.

Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET with the game airing on CBS.

Jonathan Taylor hoped for better contract with Colts

In the offseason, Taylor hoped to land a reconstructed contract with Indianapolis. He believed that his production through his first three seasons with the Colts warranted a new deal.

But because the running back market isn’t fairing too well in today’s NFL, the two sides never reached an agreement. It prompted Taylor to request a trade, which has yet to come to fruition.

So, what’s the next step for the Pro Bowl running back? Apparently, it’s to finally get back on the field and prove he’s worth a new deal.

Last season, Taylor rushed for 861 yards and four touchdowns in 11 games. He missed six contests due to injury. His 2021 season is really what put him on the map.

Taylor piled up a league-best 1,811 rushing yards and scored 18 touchdowns on the ground in his second season with the Colts. When he’s at full strength, he can undoubtedly be one of the top running backs in the league.

Over his three-year career, Taylor has totaled 3,841 rushing yards, 802 receiving yards and accounted for 36 total touchdowns. He’s been a key cog in Indianapolis’ offense.

Zack Moss has stepped up in Taylor’s absence in the first four games for Indianapolis. He has totaled 280 yards and a touchdown on the ground. He’s also caught a touchdown pass.

The combination of Taylor and Moss in the backfield — along with Anthony Richardson under center — could be fun to watch the rest of the season.