Jonathan Taylor Remains on PUP List as Colts Fail to Secure Trade, Leading to His Absence in the Initial Four Games

The Indianapolis Colts and their star running back, Jonathan Taylor, have been embroiled in a protracted and contentious offseason, and it appears that this dispute will extend into the 2023 NFL season. Despite initially allowing Taylor to explore trade options in the lead-up to the final roster cuts deadline, the Colts have chosen to place Taylor on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list, as revealed by CBS Sports NFL Insider Jonathan Jones. This development means that Taylor will be sidelined for at least the first four games of the 2023 season, even if a trade materializes after the roster cuts deadline.

While at least two teams displayed "substantive interest" in acquiring Taylor, according to CBS Sports HQ insider Josina Anderson, a trade is not imminent following the Colts' decision to retain the running back on the PUP list. Players on the PUP list can be activated at any point during the offseason, but if they remain on the list when 53-man rosters are finalized, they are mandated to miss at least four games.

The Colts reportedly did not receive what they considered a fair-value offer during their trade negotiations, as ESPN reports. Nevertheless, there is still a possibility that the team might trade the Pro Bowl running back before the official in-season trade deadline on October 31. The Miami Dolphins were among the teams rumored to be interested in acquiring Taylor, but the Colts were reportedly seeking a return equivalent to a first-round draft pick.

Jonathan Taylor, who led the NFL in rushing yards with over 1,800 and 18 touchdowns just two years ago, began the offseason expressing public support for the Colts, with whom he is under contract until 2023. However, he changed his representation during the summer and became embroiled in a months-long dispute with the team's management. This dispute reportedly centered on the handling of his injuries and a refusal by the Colts to engage in negotiations for a long-term contract. Although Taylor was intermittently present at team facilities during training camp, he has yet to participate in practice with the Colts this offseason. He began training camp on the PUP list after undergoing ankle surgery that limited his 2022 season.

With Taylor sidelined, the Colts are now faced with the question of who will step in at running back. It appears that they will implement a committee approach, with Deon Jackson, Evan Hull, and Zack Moss expected to share carries. Notably, Zack Moss is in the process of recovering from an injury. While the Colts had signed veteran Kenyan Drake during the summer, he did not make the final roster cuts. Additionally, the team has the option to address the running back position through waiver claims following the final roster cuts made by other teams.

One important aspect to note is that Taylor cannot be activated before Week 5 of the season due to the PUP rules. While the Colts had the option to keep him on the active roster and activate him once he's healthy, any player starting the season on the PUP list must sit out a minimum of four games. Therefore, the earliest opportunity to see Taylor in action during this season will be in Week 5 when the Colts face the Titans.

As for the possibility of a trade while Taylor is on the PUP list, it is indeed feasible. However, any team acquiring Taylor would still need to keep him on the PUP list through Week 4 of the NFL season.