The Indianapolis Colts are back on the practice field ahead of their Week 5 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Speaking with reporters beforehand, head coach Shane Steichen said that running back Jonathan Taylor would not be practicing on Wednesday.
Taylor exited Sunday’s game in the fourth quarter with an ankle injury. More specifically, Ian Rapoport reported that it was a “mild high-ankle sprain,” and added that Taylor could “miss some time tough.”
Steichen added that he is not ruling out Taylor for Sunday’s game.
Through four games, Taylor has been one of the most productive running backs this season, totaling 349 rushing yards–the fifth-most in football.
Taylor is averaging 4.8 yards per carry and has showcased his explosive ability regularly, totaling 11 rushes of 10-plus yards and seven rushes of at least 15 yards, according to Pro Football Focus.
Ultimately, success for the Colts offense as a whole begins with Taylor and the run game. Having a strong rushing attack to lean on can be a quarterback’s best friend, helping to keep the offense out of predictable long down-and-distance situations, along with opening up opportunities in the passing game.
This week the Colts face a Jacksonville defense allowing just 3.9 yards per carry this season. Against a stingy Pittsburgh defense, Taylor was able to average 4.2 yards per carry.
Without Taylor at Wednesday’s practice, Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson will shoulder the workload at running back.