INDIANAPOLIS — The Colts All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor Will miss the first game of his college or pro career after being ruled out Thursday night on the road against the Denver Broncos.
Taylor sprained the ankle badly in the Colts’ 24-17 loss to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday and did not return to the game. He has continued to undergo rehab since attempting to return Thursday night, even suggesting a decision on his availability Tuesday could come shortly before kickoff.
But, in the end, the third year again could not overcome the injury.
“I definitely plan to play, but if you can’t go you can’t go,” Taylor said Tuesday. “That’s why you need to get as much treatment as you can.”
The Colts have struggled to develop a consistent running game even with Taylor in the lineup, so his absence won’t make things any easier. The Colts finished the week 5th in yards per game (87.8) and 27th per carry (3.5), a far cry from last season, when Taylor was the NFL’s leading rusher with 1,811 yards.
The Colts will lean on some combination of No. 2 running backs Nyheim Hines, Dion Jackson and former Broncos star Philip LindsayA member of their coaching staff.
The Colts also rejected a linebacker Shaquille Leonard and defensive lineman Tyquan Lewis With concussion and defense Julian Blackmon With an ankle injury.
