Colts' Richardson 'excited' about Taylor's practice return
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson is happy about having running back Jonathan Taylor back with the team at practice.
"I'm excited, just for him being able to come back on the field. I know it's been a while for him to be on the field," Richardson said Wednesday, per Dominic Miranda of WTHR. "I know he's excited to be back, and I'm excited to see what he does."
The Colts designated Taylor to return to practice on Wednesday, and the star running back joined the club on the field for a walk-through. Indianapolis head coach Shane Steichen expects the 24-year-old to practice Thursday and Friday ahead of Sunday's game against the Tennessee Titans.
"We'll see," Steichen said about Taylor's status this week, according to Albert Breer of The MMQB. The coach added that he wants to see the tailback practice before making a decision about his game status.
Taylor missed the season's first four games after starting the campaign on the physically unable to perform list. He was sidelined for six games in 2022 - including the final three contests - and underwent ankle surgery during the offseason.
Taylor, who's in the final year of his rookie deal, requested a trade from the Colts in July amid stalled contract negotiations. Indianapolis granted his request but failed to finalize a deal before the start of the regular season despite reportedly engaging in trade talks with the Miami Dolphins and Green Bay Packers, among other teams.
Miami is reportedly expected to remain interested in Taylor, who could still be moved.
If Taylor is able to take the field again with the Colts, Richardson is expecting great things for the offense.
"I know he's a great player, and I know I can do some things pretty well, so just trying to combine those two things, I can only imagine what it's like," said Richardson, per Miranda. "But we won't see it until it actually happens."
Taylor has averaged 5.1 yards per carry across three NFL seasons. The Wisconsin product was voted a first-team All-Pro after leading the league with 2,171 scrimmage yards and 20 touchdowns in 2021.