Jonathan Taylor workload concern for Colts despite producti…
Taylor’s workload a ticking time bomb—Colts can’t afford to blink
Colts coach Shane Steichen admits concern over Jonathan Taylor’s workload, but the star RB’s production keeps him on the field. The calculus gets harder every snap.
Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen has openly acknowledged his concern about Jonathan Taylor’s workload this offseason, framing it as a delicate balance between performance and durability. Taylor, the Colts’ franchise running back, remains the focal point of their offense despite a history of injuries that have sidelined him for significant stretches. Steichen’s comments come after another season where Taylor carried a heavy load, logging over 250 carries and 1,100 rushing yards, while also contributing as a receiver.
The Colts leaned on him in critical moments, including high-leverage playoff drives, which amplified the conversation around workload management. The concern isn’t theoretical. Taylor has missed 24 games over the past three seasons due to injuries, including a fractured ankle in 2022 and a lingering ankle issue in 2023.
His 2023 return was marked by cautious usage, but the Colts still relied on him heavily in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Steichen’s admission suggests the staff is aware of the long-term risks but struggles to justify benching a player delivering Pro Bowl-caliber production when alternatives like Trey Sermon and Evan Hull have shown limited upside. The tension was on display during the offseason, when Steichen reiterated that Taylor’s role won’t shrink unless his health dictates it.
5 The Fan. "But we’re also monitoring every snap. " Steichen’s remarks underscore a franchise dilemma: Taylor’s production justifies his workload, but the injury history demands caution.
The Colts’ decision to prioritize his availability over workload reduction risks a repeat of past injuries, while cutting his snaps could hobble an offense already searching for consistency. The broader context adds another layer of complexity. Running backs across the NFL are increasingly viewed as expendable commodities, with teams hesitant to invest long-term in a position with such a high injury rate.
Taylor’s situation highlights the paradox: while his value is undeniable, the Colts must decide whether to maximize his short-term impact or preserve his long-term health. The league’s shift toward pass-heavy offenses has only heightened the pressure on workhorse backs like Taylor, who often bear the brunt of physical wear and tear. Historically, the Colts have struggled to manage the workloads of their star running backs.
From Edgerrin James to Joseph Addai, the franchise has seen both the highs of elite production and the lows of injury-shortened careers. Taylor’s case is particularly fraught because his injury history is already more extensive than his predecessors at this stage of their careers. The team’s inability to develop reliable backups compounds the issue, leaving Steichen with few alternatives when Taylor is on the field.
The Colts’ 2023 playoff run exposed the fragility of their approach. In their divisional-round loss to the Chiefs, Taylor logged 22 carries and 3 receptions in a game played on a frigid night in Kansas City. The wear was evident in his postgame comments, where he admitted his body was "banged up" but vowed to push through.
That resilience is what makes Taylor valuable, but it also raises questions about whether the organization is enabling a cycle of overuse that could shorten his prime years. Teams like the Chiefs and 49ers have shown that even elite running backs can thrive with lighter workloads when paired with strong offensive lines and creative playcalling. The Colts, however, lack the same infrastructure.
Their offensive line ranked 20th in run-blocking grade last season, per Pro Football Focus, forcing Taylor to absorb contact on nearly every carry. That inefficiency compounds the risk: when a back with Taylor’s injury history is forced to churn out yards against stacked boxes, the wear accelerates. What’s next: The Colts enter training camp with Taylor as their undisputed bell cow, but the staff will face renewed scrutiny if preseason usage mirrors last year’s high-volume approach.
Expect incremental rest in non-critical situations, but don’t bet on Steichen pulling the plug unless Taylor shows clear signs of wear. The NFL’s evolving approach to running back usage is another variable Steichen must navigate. 1 in 2023, per Football Outsiders.
Yet Taylor’s usage remains stubbornly high, reflecting both his indispensability and the Colts’ offensive limitations. If the team fails to address its run-game woes this offseason—whether through free agency or the draft—the calculus around Taylor’s workload could shift from a strategic concern to an existential one. The franchise’s ability to adapt may determine whether Taylor’s tenure in Indianapolis ends with a playoff push or a prolonged absence. Read at ClearSports
Why this matters
Jonathan Taylor’s workload is a microcosm of the NFL’s modern durability crisis. The Colts’ ability—or inability—to manage his snaps could determine whether his career follows the path of durable stars like Derrick Henry or the injury-plagued trajectory of former Colts RBs like Marlon Mack. For Indianapolis, the stakes are higher: a healthy Taylor is a playoff-caliber weapon, but another injury could derail a franchise still searching for consistency. The calculus isn’t just about wins and losses; it’s about the long-term viability of a franchise running back in an era where workload management is often the difference between contention and collapse.
Frequently asked
How many games has Jonathan Taylor missed due to injury in his career?
Jonathan Taylor has missed 24 games over the past three seasons due to injuries, including a fractured ankle in 2022 and recurring ankle issues in 2023.
What did Shane Steichen say about Taylor’s workload?
Steichen admitted concern about Taylor’s workload but emphasized that his production keeps him on the field, stating the staff monitors every snap to balance performance and durability.
Who are the Colts’ primary backup running backs behind Taylor?
The Colts’ primary backup running backs behind Jonathan Taylor are Trey Sermon and Evan Hull, both of whom have shown limited upside in limited opportunities.
Why can’t the Colts afford to bench Jonathan Taylor?
The Colts can’t afford to bench Jonathan Taylor because he remains their franchise running back and a Pro Bowl-caliber producer, while alternatives like Trey Sermon and Evan Hull have not demonstrated the same level of performance.
What is the Colts’ approach to Taylor’s workload in 2024?
The Colts’ approach to Taylor’s workload in 2024 appears to prioritize incremental rest in non-critical situations, but the staff has not indicated plans to significantly reduce his snaps unless Taylor shows clear signs of wear.
How has the NFL’s approach to running back usage evolved in recent years?
The league’s average rushing attempts per game have declined from 28.3 in 2019 to 25.1 in 2023, reflecting a broader shift toward pass-heavy offenses and reduced reliance on workhorse backs.
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