Jonathan Taylor’s response when asked if it’s safe to deploy him in fantasy lineups

The Indianapolis Colts have been without star running back Jonathan Taylor for two straight weeks, and so have fantasy football players who have the 25-year-old rostered.

Taylor is dealing with an ankle injury, and while his status for Week 7 against the Miami Dolphins still needs to be determined, he’s doing everything he can to return to action.

“I’m definitely feelin’ better this week,” he said. “Ankles are nothin’ new to me. I’ve been dealin’ with them for quite a bit. I’m doin’ everything in my power to be back out there again this week.”

NFL insider Tom Pelissero asked Taylor specifically about whether it’s safe to put him in his fantasy lineup right now.

“I don’t want you to put me in and then now I’m out, but as long as you have a good swap, then you’re perfect,” he said.

It sounds like fantasy owners will have to wait until later in the week to get a better idea of whether Taylor will play, but there appears to be a chance that he’ll return to action against the Dolphins at home. For what it’s worth, he didn’t practice on Wednesday.

Taylor was likely an early pick in virtually every fantasy draft this year. In the four games he’s played in this season, he has rushed for 349 yards and four touchdowns on 72 carries. He has also made a slight impact through the air, catching six passes for 77 yards.

Injuries have hindered Taylor in recent years, but in the 2021 season, he was unstoppable while appearing in all 17 games. He led the league in carries (332), rushing yards (1,811) and rushing touchdowns (18), among other categories.

The Colts are 3-3 in the 2024 campaign. They’re facing an important part of their season that could make or break their playoff hopes. A win over the Dolphins would certainly be a step in the right direction for Indianapolis, and it would put the team over .500 for the first time this season.

The franchise hasn’t made the playoffs since Taylor’s rookie season, and when it did, the team didn’t get to celebrate a playoff victory. Those are things that the Colts would like to change this season.

If Taylor isn’t back in action against the Dolphins, his next chance to return to the field will come in Week 8 against the Houston Texans on the road.