Former Wisconsin Badgers running back Jonathan Taylor returned to the state of Wisconsin to play a football game for the first time since 2019 on Sunday.
In the Indianapolis Colts’ first time visiting the Green Bay Packers’ iconic Lambeau Field, Taylor showcased what Badger faithful grew accustomed to witnessing almost every Saturday from 2017-2019.
“I’ve been waiting for this one,” Taylor told reporters before the game. “Definitely hoping I get a Lambeau Leap in…it should be pretty lively.”
The New Jersey native certainly didn’t disappoint. Taylor finished the bout with 12 carries for 103 rushing yards and two receptions for 32 yards in the 16-10 defeat.
Most of those plays arrived in gains of 15 or more yards, a telling sign for those concerned about his previous injury history. Plus, with the Colts attempting to regain any type of momentum in the final minutes, Taylor didn’t see a touch in the fourth quarter. If he had, his final stats would be heightened even further.
Jonathan Taylor had 5 plays that resulted in 15+ yard gains for the #Colts resulting in 98 of his 135 total yards.
– 17-yard run
– 18-yard run
– 16-yard run
– 18-yard reception (Ashton Dulin saved it from being a lost fumble)
– 29-yard run pic.twitter.com/VX5YRKiHYF— Cody Manning (@CodyTalksNFL) September 16, 2024
Nonetheless, Taylor looked impressive. His final chunk play was 29 yards, a luxury for second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson to lean on as he progresses through the start of his NFL career.
Taylor now boasts 183 total yards and one touchdown through two games for the Colts in 2024. Indianapolis will return to the turf for a test against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 22.