Colts RB Jonathan Taylor trending toward facing Falcons

Field Level Media|published: Thu 21st December, 18:41 2023

Nov 26, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) runs to get past Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Dee Delaney (30) during the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium. credits: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor took part in full practice Thursday, but still isn't certain if he will return for the team's game at the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.

"It depends on how today goes, and tomorrow," Taylor said. "Really today — this will tell you a lot, the first full speed day."

Taylor suffered a thumb injury against Tampa Bay on Nov. 26, undergoing surgery three days later. He returned to the practice field for the Colts' walk-through on Wednesday before ramping it up for Thursday's full practice.

Taylor said he doesn't know exactly when he injured the thumb against the Buccaneers, but said he struggled to grip the ball during the game. In his place, Zack Moss, Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson combined for 157 yards on 28 carries in Sunday's 30-13 victory over Pittsburgh.

Taylor also missed a Week 13 win over Tennessee and a loss to Cincinnati the following week. Indianapolis is tied atop the AFC North at 8-6 along with Jacksonville and Houston, and the Colts are currently in the final wild card spot in the AFC.

"For me personally, I was sick," Taylor said. "I knew we would be good as a team because I know the guys we have, the players we have, the mentality we have. I was just sick because I'm like man, another one? I just had my first (surgery). No one likes getting cut open. At all."

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). He also has 16 catches for 137 yards and one score.

Moss did not practice for the second consecutive day due to a forearm injury. However, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. did return to practice four days after a vicious hit from Damontae Kazee that led to the Steelers safety being ejected from the game and later suspended for the remainder of the season by the NFL.

Kicker Matt Gay returned to limited practice Thursday as he is dealing with a right hip injury.

—Field Level Media

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