Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor remains with the team after the NFL trade deadline and says he is focusing on leadership ahead of Sunday’s home game against the Miami Dolphins.
Taylor, 27, entered his seventh NFL season after Indianapolis selected him in the second round with the 41st overall pick in 2020. He described pre-deadline trade speculation as "regularly-scheduled programming" and said the matter is resolved.
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The Colts have experienced significant roster turnover this season: general manager Chris Ballard was fired last month; guard Quenton Nelson, defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, and wide receivers Josh Downs and Keenan Allen were traded over the past three weeks; and starting receiver Alec Pierce re-injured his heel in Week 2.
Since Nelson’s trade, Taylor has averaged 3.3 yards per carry. Rookie Jalen Farmer, a fourth-round draft pick, replaced Nelson in the lineup. Taylor said Farmer trained closely with Nelson and is now applying that preparation.
Taylor acknowledged his traditionally reserved leadership approach but said he must now “go out there and rally these guys” while modeling accountability on and off the field. He added that other veterans must also step up.
When asked about discussions with Colts ownership regarding the team’s direction, Taylor said, “That’s way above my pay grade,” and added, “I know they have a vision and a plan for it. Right now, we just have to execute.”
The Colts have eight games remaining this season.
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