Colts Notebook: Jonathan Taylor Uncertain For Third Straight Week

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INDIANAPOLIS – The Colts (3-3) are returning home in Week 7 for their lone game at Lucas Oil Stadium in a 5-week span.

It’s a visit from the Dolphins (2-3) coming this Sunday at 1:00 PM, with legendary tight end Dallas Clark going into the team’s Ring of Honor.

Here are takeaways from the Colts first practice of the week.

Wednesday was a full day of work for Anthony Richardson. That marks his second full participation work in his 7 practice sessions since getting hurt. Again, the Colts are planning to have Richardson as their starting quarterback vs. the Dolphins this Sunday. Remember, the last time we saw Richardson on the field he had arguably his finest performance as a pro (albeit just for a quarter) in facing the vaunted Steelers. Was that real growth from Richardson after a rocky September? Also, will a return of Richardson aid a struggling run game? In Flacco’s 2 starts, the Colts have averaged 3.2 yards per carry. In Richardson’s 4 starters, the Colts have averaged 4.6 yards per carry. Now, Jonathan Taylor’s presence hasn’t been there in either Flacco start. But I don’t think there’s any denying Richardson suiting up offers more responsibility from the defense to account for him.

It’s another week of uncertain status for Jonathan Taylor. Shane Steichen said on Wednesday that Taylor will “possibly” practice on Wednesday and “we’ll see” in regards to the running back playing in Week 7. Taylor didn’t practice. He has missed both games and all 7 practices since leaving the Week 4 victory over the Steelers late. After years of rare running back durability, Taylor has started to see some injuries rise. In the last 3 years, Taylor has played in 25 games, but also missed 15.

On the running back front, Trey Sermon is dealing with a knee injury, as the Colts added another running back to the practice squad on Wednesday. Salvon Ahmed was signed on Wednesday, after he (ironically) has spent the last 4 years with the Dolphins and waived back in mid-Augst. So, currently, the Colts have these healthy running backs on their active roster/practice squad: Tyler Goodson, Evan Hull (can be called up from the practice squad one more week), Trent Pennix and Salvon Ahmed.

Technically, DeForest Buckner (ankle) is eligible to come off injured reserve this week. His minimum IR stay of 4 games is complete. But the Colts have yet to make an announcement that they are starting his 21-day window to return to practice. The Colts could keep him on IR if they don’t feel like his return is imminent. The first decision the Colts must make with Buckner is starting a 21-day return to practice window. Once that occurs, then Buckner can return to game action at any point during that 21-day window (or return to IR the rest of the season).

A calf injury suffered against the Titans kept C-Ryan Kelly from practicing on Wednesday. Could it be another week of rookie Tanor Bortolini starting? If so, the Colts will have two rookie offensive line starters in Bortolini and Dalton Tucker at right guard against Miami. Shane Steichen lauded the Colts offensive line on Wednesday in pass protection. The group kept Joe Flacco form a single sack against the Titans, the first time all year Tennessee hadn’t sacked the opposing quarterback.

Among the Colts not practicing on Wednesday: RB-Jonathan Taylor (ankle), RB-Trey Sermon (knee), WR-Josh Downs (toe), WR-Michael Pittman Jr. (back), OT-Braden Smith (knee), C-Ryan Kelly (calf), DL-DeForest Buckner (ankle), LB-E.J. Speed (knee), CB-Chris Lammons (ankle).

Does Michael Pittman Jr. feel like he can win 1-on-1? That seems to be the biggest question he has in making these weekly decisions on if he can fight through a nagging back injury. Pittman Jr. certainly made 2 massive plays in Sunday’s win over the Titans. He also was blanketed in coverage on both of those grabs, finishing the game with just 3 catches on 5 targets, in playing 80 percent of the offensive snaps. This will be something to keep watching with Pittman Jr. as he tries to play through an injury that has had injured reserve conversations around it. Shane Steichen said on Wednesday they’ll monitor Pittman Jr. week-to-week with his back, but the plan is for him to play in Week 7.

Cornerback Samuel Womack III has been a really nice find by Chris Ballard and his staff. The Colts claimed Womack III during roster cuts from the 49ers. An injury to JuJu Brents and poor play from Dallis Flowers has thrust Womack III into that very important 3^rd cornerback spot.

The Colts haven’t had a sack in 9.5 quarters and more than 70 pass attempts. A 2-week absence without sacks is something this franchise hasn’t had in 6 years. In fact, it’s just the 3^rd time in the last 16 years the Colts have gone consecutive games without recording a sack. And Trevor Lawrence and Will Levis get sacked quite a lot. On Wednesday, Steichen stressed he’s been pleased though with the pressure and thought the Colts affected Levis better than Lawrence.

It’s Week 7, but this has the potential to be an important game if you are projecting out an AFC Wild Card picture down the road. Currently, the Colts have the final playoff spot, with the Dolphins a half game back. This being a conference game, it brings some weight with potential tiebreakers. The Colts already carry a head-to-head tiebreaker with the Steelers, and this one could very well be beneficial, too. With the Texans at 5-1, a path to winning the AFC South is going to be difficult (especially if the Colts lose in Houston next week), so keeping an eye on these Wild Card situations is key.

Tackling for the Colts has been an issue this season, although it was better in Week 6 (Gus Bradley thought it was the best of the season for the Colts). But it needs extra focus against the Dolphins given the skill talent of Tyreek Hill, Jaylon Waddle and Devon Achane (trying to progress through concussion protocol). Miami’s offense has lacked potency with Snoop Huntley starting at quarterback again this week. Not allowing those Dolphins playmakers to turn into back-breaking chunk plays will be key for the Colts this Sunday, something Steichen stressed on Wednesday.

Miami has struggled this season, especially with Tua Tagovailoa on injured reserve (Tagovailoa must miss the Colts game, too, for his 4-week minimum stay on IR). The Dolphins rank last in the at 12 points per game and are 31^st in red zone efficiency, unable to finish drives. They have one of the worst point differentials in the entire NFL.