The Indianapolis Colts got their first divisional win in Week 6 with a 34-27 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars but had to do so without star running back Jonathan Taylor.
Dealing with an ankle injury he suffered against the Tennessee Titans in Week 4, Taylor missed the short turnaround in prime time against the Denver Broncos but seemed to have a chance to play against the Jaguars in Week 6.
He was listed as questionable entering the weekend but wound up being downgraded the day before the game. Taylor revealed to reporters Thursday that he drove the decision to keep him out of the divisional game.
Colts RB Jonathan Taylor indicates he drove the decision to sit out last week’s game against Jacksonville w an ankle injury.
“You just know your body,” he said.
As for this week, he says he’s feeling pretty good.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) October 20, 2022
As for the preparation entering the Week 7 matchup against the Titans, Taylor said he’s feeling much better.
“I’m feeling really good. It’s always a positive sign when you can go out there and feel like yourself,” said Taylor. “Us being professional athletes, when you go out there and you’re not feeling like yourself, it’s the worst.”
Even without Taylor—and Nyheim Hines—the Colts got strong production from the backfield. It was Deon Jackson who stepped up to the the tune of 22 touches for 121 total yards and a touchdown. His big impact came as a receiver, grabbing 10 receptions for 79 yards.
Though Taylor couldn’t be out on the field, he was elated to see Jackson show the world what he could do.
“I’m excited that the world got to finally see Deon (Jackson) and everything that he’s been working towards. He got to put in on display, got a game ball, got the scepter. What better way to spring out into action then those kinds of things,” Taylor said. “Like you said, he did a great job. We knew it, but now I’m just happy the world got to see it.”
Taylor seems to be heading in the right direction to return in Week 7 against the Titans but now that we know he’s willing to hold himself out if he doesn’t feel right, this will likely be a wait-and-see situation.
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