Trade Rumors Swirling Around Colts RB Jonathan Taylor Despite Return
For the first time in months, things appear to be trending in the right direction for the Indianapolis Colts and All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor.
The 24-year-old was back at practice for the first time Wednesday since coming off the PUP list. There's a possibility that he could play this Sunday.
"We’ll see how practice goes," Colts head coach Shane Steichen said in response to a question about Taylor's availability for Week 5. "Obviously, we have the walk-thru today and then practice Thursday, Friday and just see where he’s at.”
But that didn't stop Bleacher Report's Kristopher Knox from making Taylor a subject in his weekly trade rumors article Wednesday.
Knox called the Cleveland Browns and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers the top potential landing spots for Taylor if he's made available in a trade.
"While teams have been reluctant to value running backs highly, Taylor's impressive 2021 season—which included a league-high 1,811 rushing yards—could garner significant interest," wrote Knox.
The Athletic's Dianna Russini didn't rule out a Taylor trade on October 1, but she argued that the Colts would only depart with the 2021 All-Pro if a trade offer "blows them away."
"Indianapolis is looking for what league sources term a Day 2 draft pick for their star running back, and I sense the team doesn’t feel any urgency to move on," wrote Russini.
Zack Moss has been impressive as Indianapolis' lead back over the past three weeks. He's posted 322 yards from scrimmage, including 280 rushing yards, with 2 total touchdowns while averaging 24 touches per game.
But it's unclear if Moss can sustain that production for an entire season as a team's lead back. His previous career high in touches for a season is 126 from the 2020 season.
Moss is currently on pace to pass that mark a week before Halloween.
If the Colts are serious about continuing to compete in the AFC South, they almost have to keep Taylor.
Besides, after the fast start from Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis fans are anxious to see what an All-Pro running back in the backfield can do for the rookie signal caller.
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