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Colts contemplating placing Jonathan Taylor on non-football injury list with back concern, per report
By Ethan Stone
Published:
The Jonathan Taylor trade saga has taken an unexpected turn.
Taylor, a former Wisconsin running back and an NFL pro bowler, informed owner Jim Irsay that he hopes to play elsewhere in 2023 and requested a trade on Saturday. Just a day later, the Colts are contemplating putting him on the NFI list, which would negate his salary for the season.
The reasoning for the potential NFI placement stems from a preexisting back issue that Taylor complained about Sunday during a pre-camp physical. Currently, Taylor is on the PUP list (Physically Unable to Perform), which does not affect a player’s salary.
According to an ESPN source, Taylor and the Colts had not discussed the back issue prior to Sunday’s events.
Source to ESPN: Colts RB Jonathan Taylor reported to training camp complaining of back pain that was deemed to be from a pre-existing issue. The team is now considering placing him on the non-football injury list, which could result in his not being paid for the regular season.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) July 31, 2023
It is believed Taylor requested the original trade because he is looking for an extension, though Irsay has stated that the team has no intention of doing so.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday that the Colts are still working through options and that a decision could be made within the week.
It is important to note that the Colts cannot place a healthy player on the NFI, he would have to be physically unable to suit up for Indianapolis to do so.
Ethan Stone was an editor for his student newspaper at the University of Tennessee and is now a News Manager for Saturday Tradition.