Indianapolis Colts Running Back Likely Done for the Year

The Indianapolis Colts spoiled a historic 33-0 lead in Week 15 against the Minnesota Vikings, and the ramifications of that game appear poised to linger into the remainder of the year. Running back Jonathan Taylor suffered a high-ankle sprain on Saturday and is unlikely to return before the end of the season.

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor suffers high-ankle sprain, unlikely to play again this season. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/Z9alqCvbqX
— NFL (@NFL) December 19, 2022

Taylor suffered his ankle sprain in the first quarter of Sunday's 39-36 overtime loss to the Vikings. He nabbed one reception for 13 yards before his exit, playing two offensive snaps.

At 4-9-1, The Indianapolis Colts are out of the playoff race, so Taylor's absence shouldn't drastically alter their fate over the final three games of the season. Taylor has accumulated 1004 yards from scrimmage and four touchdowns as the Colts' unquestioned top back this year, and a high-ankle sprain is a mild enough injury that it shouldn't affect his status for next season.

Taylor joined the Colts as their 41st overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. After a solid rookie season that included 1169 rushing yards and a solid 5.0 yards per carry, Taylor exploded in his second year, leading the league with 2171 yards from scrimmage and 20 total touchdowns. He fell back to earth this season, but he should return to the Colts in 2023 in the final year of his rookie contract. He'll have a chance to earn a new deal that places him among the league's highest-paid backs.