Colts RB Jonathan Taylor (thumb) out against Steelers

Field Level Media|published: Thu 14th December, 13:58 2023

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) rushes the ball Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, during a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. credits: Jenna Watson/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor will be out for a third straight game due to a thumb injury.

Head coach Shane Steichen said Thursday that Taylor won't play Saturday when the Colts (7-6) host the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6) in a game crucial to both teams' wild-card chances in the AFC playoff race.

Steichen also ruled out starting right tackle Braden Smith for the second straight game due to a knee injury.

Taylor was injured during a Nov. 26 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and underwent surgery three days later.

After missing the first four games of the season due to a contract standoff and an ankle injury, Taylor has amassed 414 rushing yards and four touchdowns in seven games (five starts) this season. He also has 16 catches for 137 yards and one score.

In his career, Taylor has 5,194 yards from scrimmage and scored 41 touchdowns in 50 games (46 starts). Taylor, 24, was the NFL rushing champion with 1,811 yards in his second season in the league.

Smith, 27, has started eight games this season and 78 of his 80 games since the Colts drafted him in the second round in 2018.

—Field Level Media