Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor “currently not on the team” due to ankle rehab and contract dispute
All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor recently expressed his displeasure with the current status of his contract with the Indianapolis Colts.
In late July, team owner Jim Irsay met Taylor in a team bus parked near the practice field. After the meeting, the running back star formally requested a trade as he seeks a contract extension, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported.
Irsay said he is not considering a trade for Taylor at this time. Taylor recently left the team complex but returned on Monday. He left the team to undergo additional rehab for his ankle injury following off-season surgery.
The 24-year-old ball carrier has now left the Colts training camp facilities for the second time in a week, team officials confirmed on Wednesday.
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Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor watches practice at the NFL teams' football training camp in Westfield, Indiana, Saturday, July 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
The announcement came just before the Colts and Bears held the first of two joint practice sessions at Grand Park in Westfield, Indiana.
The 2021 NFL rushing champion has been on the PUP list since reporting to camp on July 25.
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“Jonathan Taylor returned to Indianapolis to continue his rehab, but he had a personal matter,” the team said. “He is currently not on the team and his absence is excused.”
Taylor missed six games last season through injury.
The former Wisconsin Badgers star has also been embroiled in a contract dispute as he enters the final season of his rookie contract. Taylor is expected to make about $4.3 million this year.
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor, left, high-fives quarterback Gardner Minshew II at NFL team football training camp in Westfield, Indiana, Saturday, July 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Taylor was one of several prominent ball carriers in the NFL to publicly express dissatisfaction with how running backs are valued given that the franchise tag is currently $10.1 million — the lowest of any position except for kickers and punters .
Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts carries the ball against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at AT&T Stadium on December 4, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Irsay also recently joined the discussion on the state of the running back market. He resisted ball carriers who feel the current market doesn't match the value they offer to franchises in the league.
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Taylor has rushed for a total of 3,841 yards in just three seasons. He has a career average of 5.1 yards per carry and has three receiving touchdowns while making 33 endzone stops on the ground.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
