After bursting onto the NFL scene in 2020, Jonathan Taylor quickly established himself as one of the league’s premier running backs. His rookie season with the Indianapolis Colts was nothing short of impressive, amassing 1,169 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. Taylor’s sophomore campaign in 2021 elevated him to elite status as he led the league with 1,811 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns.
These back-to-back stellar seasons placed Taylor firmly among the NFL’s elite, far outperforming his second-round rookie contract. However, his meteoric rise has since been tempered by a series of injuries that have limited his availability and raised concerns about his durability with the Colts.
Taylor’s Injury Woes and Inconsistent Availability
In the 2023 season, he played in 10 games, starting seven, and accumulated 741 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, averaging a respectable 4.4 yards per carry. However, he missed three games due to a thumb injury, impacting the team’s offensive dynamics.
Players already ruled out for Sunday include Jonathan Taylor, Jerome Ford (pictured), Jonathon Brooks, Josey Jewell, Taylor Moton, Dorance Armstrong, Blake Cashman, Azeez Al-Shaair, Kamari Lassiter, Jimmie Ward, Robert Woods, Dallas Goedert, Jamie Gillan, Adoree Jackson, Tre… pic.twitter.com/KgjMDMIwzE
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 19, 2024
Taylor started the 2024 season looking like his old self, rushing for 349 yards and four touchdowns in the first four contests, boasting an impressive 4.8 yards per attempt. Yet, he has missed the last three weeks due to a high ankle sprain—a typical 4-6 week recovery process. His recurring injuries have limited his contributions and raised concerns within the organization.
Jonathan Taylor’s Holdout and Its Aftermath
Entering the final year of his rookie deal in 2023, Taylor held out of training camp, seeking a contract reflecting his value. Given the short shelf life of running backs, his move was understandable.
Deal done, now let’s ball. ✍️ pic.twitter.com/r9hKksZxlL
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 7, 2023
The Colts, recognizing his past performances, eventually agreed to a three-year, $42 million extension with $26.5 million guaranteed, making him the third-highest-paid running back behind Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara.
The Colts’ Dilemma: Buyer’s Remorse?
Given these circumstances, it’s fair to ask: Are the Colts experiencing buyer’s remorse over Jonathan Taylor’s contract extension?
From Taylor’s perspective, securing a lucrative deal was both prudent and justified. Running backs often face career-threatening injuries, and maximizing earnings during peak years is a rational strategy. His talent is undeniable, and when healthy, he is among the best in the league.
However, owner Jim Irsay and the Colts haven’t seen the expected return on their substantial investment. Taylor’s absences force reliance on less experienced, cheaper players, leading to mixed results on the field.
Adding to the Colts’ potential regret is the departure of Zack Moss. In 2023, Moss delivered solid performances for the Colts, rushing for 794 yards on 183 carries with five touchdowns and averaging 4.3 yards per carry.
In his backup role in 2022, he impressed with a 4.8 yards per carry average. Despite his contributions, the Colts allowed Moss to sign with the Cincinnati Bengals on a two-year, $8 million contract—a significant savings compared to Taylor’s deal.
This season, the Colts have struggled to find a backup of Moss’s caliber. In Week 5 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, their top rusher was Trey Sermon, who managed just 38 yards. In Week 6 versus the Tennessee Titans, the team amassed only 80 rushing yards with a meager 2.9 yards per carry, rotating between Sermon and Tyler Goodson.
The lack of production from the running back committee underscores the void left by Moss and raises questions about roster and salary cap management.
The Broader Running Back Market
The Colts’ predicament is not unique. The valuation of running backs has been a contentious topic in the NFL, with teams wary of investing heavily in a position prone to injuries.
Even elite talents like Christian McCaffrey have struggled with health issues, highlighting the risks associated with large contracts for running backs. Notably, McCaffrey has missed significant time due to Achilles tendinitis in both legs this season, with no timetable set for his return.
A Fine Line Between Talent and Durability
Finding a talent like Jonathan Taylor is rare, and his game-changing abilities are unquestionable when he’s on the field. Yet, football is a game of availability as much as it is of skill. The Colts now find themselves grappling with the consequences of their investment, questioning whether they made the right decision.
As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Jonathan Taylor. The Colts—and their fans—will be hoping that he can overcome his injuries and return to the dominant form that once made him one of the league’s brightest stars. Only then can the team fully justify their significant investment and put any notions of buyer’s remorse to rest.
