How long is Jonathan Taylor out for? Fantasy outlook, injury update and Colts RB's status for Week 16 NFL Game vs Chargers

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was outstanding last season, which saw him win several accolades, including the prestigious Bert Bell Award. The Salem, New Jersey native also earned a second-place finish in Offensive Player of the Year. To cap off the previous season, Taylor took the Player of the Month twice alongside a first-team All-Pro selection.

He was one of the most valued players and the first choice among fantasy football players. Taylor had 20 total touchdowns last season, but he is at a career-low with only four touchdowns this term.

The 23-year-old star running back has been placed on injured reserve after Saturday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. On the opening drive of the Colts' 39-36 defeat to the Vikings on Saturday, Taylor suffered an ankle injury after collecting a short pass and gaining 13 yards on a second-and-14 run.

With three more games to go, the Colts are still in the league, but it seems unlikely that Taylor will play for them this season. According to Ian Rapoport:

“It does appear that Jonathan Taylor, the star running back for the Indianapolis Colts, had played his last down for the 2022 season. My understanding is he was diagnosed with a high ankle sprain following that game. He’s still meeting with doctors, he’s still talking to team officials, so nothing’s firm and final. But my understanding, it is considered highly, highly unlikely that Jonathan Taylor is back on the field this season.”

Taylor has started 11 games this season and has rushed for 861 yards on 192 rushing attempts and two touchdowns. He missed Week 5 and 6 games due to a right ankle injury. He returned in Week 7, but his injury was re-aggravated, so he missed the Week 9 game against the Washington Commanders.

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Jonathan Taylor's fantasy outlook for Week 16

Indianapolis Colts v Minnesota Vikings

If Taylor is on your fantasy roster, we suggest you bench him for the rest of the season. Taylor hasn't had a ground-breaking season like the one he had last year. He amassed a league-high 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns in the previous year, earning him a spot on the first team in the Pro Bowl.

With Jonathan Taylor about to miss future games this season, the Indianapolis Colts will play with a combination of Zack Moss and Deon Jackson. Also on Tuesday, running back Jordan Wilkins was added to the active roster from the practice squad. The Colts (4 - 9 - 1) take on the Los Angeles Chargers (8 - 6) on Dec. 27.

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Jonathan Taylor timeline

Indianapolis Colts v Las Vegas Raiders

Jonathan Taylor will play his third season in the NFL with the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts drafted him in the second round as the 41st overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft.

In 2020, he played as RB1 for the Colts and started in 13 of the 15 games he played. He recorded 1,468 yards from scrimmage with 36 receptions and a total of 12 touchdowns.

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His 2021 season was a blockbuster one and earned him many accolades. In his 332 rushing attempts, he covered 1,811 yards with 18 touchdowns. Taylor had 2,171 yards from scrimmage with 40 receptions and 20 touchdowns.