Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Colts star RB provides promising injury update

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 12/21/23

A dynamic playmaker for the Indianapolis Colts is aiming to return for Sunday's pivotal game against the Atlanta Falcons.

Indianapolis running back Jonathan Taylor — who's missed the team's last three games after he underwent surgery on his right thumb on Nov. 29 — returned to practice Thursday.

"First day, full speed," Taylor said, per ESPN's Stephen Holder. "Of course, everything we've been doing has been [in the] training room and controlled. But [practice is] full speed. You've got full velocity on the ball; you've got guys coming after the ball. It's going to be a big day."

Taylor didn't guarantee he would play. He noted his ball security will determine his status. The 24-year-old might also want to exert caution, as he missed the season's first four games with an ankle injury.

The Colts (8-6) are heating up and in the thick of the playoff hunt.

Only the 49ers (6-0) have a better record than the Colts (5-1) since Week 9.
— James Palmer (@JamesPalmerTV) December 21, 2023

However, injuries to key contributors threaten their postseason aspirations. RB Zack Moss (forearm) — who leads the team in rushing yards (764 in 13 games) — is questionable and didn't practice Wednesday. WR Michael Pittman Jr. (concussion) is also questionable and was limited in Wednesday's practice.

As of Thursday, oddschecker lists Indianapolis as a one-point underdog. The New York Times simulator notes the Colts' playoff chances will fall from 54 percent to 37 percent if they lose to Atlanta (6-8).

Touchdown @JayT23! @Colts up 10-3.

: #TBvsIND on CBS
: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/1dOevJjoZZ pic.twitter.com/60oevOkkMz
— NFL (@NFL) November 26, 2023

Taylor suiting up against the Falcons would provide an offensive punch and help the Colts pull off an upset. In seven games, the former First-Team All-Pro has rushed for 414 yards and four TDs on 100 attempts.

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