Indianapolis Colts Expect Star Running Back to Be Healthy for Training Camp

Things are looking up in Indianapolis. Speaking on The Pat McAfee Show on Monday afternoon, Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay sounded an optimistic note on running back Jonathan Taylor, revealing the 2021 All-Pro is "healed up" and expected to be ready for training camp

Jim Irsay: Jonathan Taylor "healed up," Shaquille Leonard "getting better each day." https://t.co/jbLrCj0jBB
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) July 10, 2023

Talyor recently underwent surgery to repair an ankle injury that cost him six games during the 2022 season. Despite the Colts stumbling to a 4-12-1 record, Taylor was respectable when healthy, averaging 4.5 yards per rush and 78.3 rushing yards per game.

Taylor should also be plenty motivated. He's entering the final year of his rookie contract with a little over $7.8 million in career earnings. Given the ice-cold nature of the running back market, Taylor will need a huge season to have any chance of landing a lucrative long-term deal.

A healthy, inspired return for Taylor, as well as the acquisition of Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson with the fourth overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, could go a long way to turning around the Colts' fortunes this season. The Colts posted a winning season in 2021 thanks in large part to Taylor's league-leading 2171 yards from scrimmage and 20 touchdowns.

If Taylor can approach those lofty heights again, the Colts will be competitive in the AFC South. The Jacksonville Jaguars won the division with a 9-8 record in 2022; a big year from Taylor and a promising rookie season from Richardson would have the Colts back in the hunt.