Colts RB Jonathan Taylor thumb surgery, return 2-3 weeks

Colts' standout running back Jonathan Taylor will undergo thumb surgery, sidelining him for several weeks, impacting their playoff chances.

The Indianapolis Colts will be without Jonathan Taylor for an extended period of time as the standout running back is set to undergo thumb surgery, according to The Athletic's James Boyd, who covers the Colts.

Boyd's report follows comments from Indianapolis owner Jim Irsay, who confirmed that Taylor is scheduled to have thumb surgery in Los Angeles. Irsay mentioned that Taylor is aiming to return to the lineup in two-to-three weeks, and the team has not yet decided on placing him on the Reserve/Injured List.

The decision for Taylor to undergo thumb surgery comes after the Colts assessed the injury he sustained during a recent game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Earlier, Colts ESPN beat writer Stephen Holden indicated that Taylor potentially being placed on the Reserve/Injured list was being considered. The Colts are preparing to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 15 at Lucas Oil Stadium, and both teams are currently in the AFC playoff picture.

Taylor has had a mixed season for the Colts. Despite being a candidate for NFL MVP in 2021, he missed the start of the 2023 season due to a contract dispute and an ankle injury. After resolving the contract situation, Taylor returned to the lineup under first-year head coach Shane Steichen and formed a strong combination with running back Zack Moss.

On the year, Taylor has accumulated 414 yards and four touchdowns on 100 carries. In Week 12, he delivered a standout performance with 91 yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries against the Buccaneers.

With the Colts currently holding the No. 7 seed and final Wild Card spot in the AFC playoff race, Taylor's absence will be significant. The team is set to face the Tennessee Titans in Week 13 before traveling to Cincinnati to play the Bengals in Week 14, and then hosting the Steelers in Week 15.

Moss, who was acquired from the Buffalo Bills last season, has been a strong backup for Taylor. He has rushed for 672 yards and five touchdowns on 141 carries this season, ranking 10th in the NFL in rushing yards.

The Colts will need to adapt to Taylor's absence and rely on Moss to maintain their position in the AFC playoff race.