Jonathan Taylor Expected to Return to Colts Next Week amid NFL Trade, Contract Rumors

Jonathan Taylor's departure from Indianapolis Colts training camp earlier this week isn't expected to result in a prolonged absence.

Head coach Shane Steichen told reporters Taylor "should be back" next week.

ESPN's Stephen Holder reported Tuesday the 24-year-old left camp to rehab his ankle injury off-site, and the team was previously made aware of his plan to rehab away from the club.

Taylor has also been involved in a stalemate with the Colts after requesting a trade following a meeting with Jim Irsay.

Holder previously reported Taylor's trade request was due to "frustration" at not receiving a contract extension and "disagreements" with the team related to the management of his injuries.

The nature of Taylor's injuries has been disputed publicly. Holder reported on July 30 the Colts were considering putting the Pro Bowl running back on the non-football injury list after he reported back pain during his pre-camp physical.

Taylor wrote on social media he has never had back pain and never reported it to the team.

In response to Taylor's trade request, Irsay said in a text to Albert Breer of The MMQB it won't happen "now" or in October before the trade deadline.

Steichen was unable to provide a specific answer or timeline when asked if Taylor would practice when he returns to the the team next week.

"I don't have an answer for that and a timetable on that," Steichen said. "But really looking forward to getting him back and getting him healthy and getting him back out there playing with the guys."

The Colts did put Taylor on the physically unable to perform list on July 25 after he had ankle surgery in January, though it appears that was a late decision made by the team.

Taylor, who is entering the final season of his rookie contract, missed six games last season due to multiple ankle injuries. He set career-lows in rushing attempts (192), rushing yards (861), rushing touchdowns (four) and yards per attempt (4.5).

The 2021 season saw Taylor finish second in Offensive Player of the Year voting and earn an All-Pro first-team selection. He led the league in rushing attempts (332), rushing yards (1,811), rushing touchdowns (18) and yards from scrimmage (2,171).