Jonathan Taylor, Colts RB, Set to Commence 2023 NFL Season on PUP List Following Absence of Trade, Expected to Sit Out Minimum of Four Games

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor will kick off the 2023 NFL season on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list after no trade, which means he will miss at least the first four games.

Indianapolis’ attempts to secure a substantial offer for running back Jonathan Taylor have not yielded results, setting the stage for an intriguing season ahead for both the team and the player.

As reported by NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero on Tuesday, per sources, the Colts will retain Taylor on the PUP list, indicating that a trade involving the star running back is not on the horizon. The team later officially confirmed that Taylor has been placed on the PUP list.

Due to starting the season on the PUP list, Taylor will be sidelined for a minimum of the first four games of the 2023 season.

Eight days ago, Indianapolis granted Taylor permission to explore a trade after he had initially requested a trade in July. This came after the running back had been seeking an extension ahead of his final contract year. Despite increased communication and discussions, no enticing trade offers materialized for Taylor. With the cutdown deadline set for 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, the Colts opted to place Taylor on the PUP list instead of utilizing a roster spot.

Following a meeting with Colts owner Jim Irsay, Taylor initially requested a trade. He spent the entire preseason on the PUP list after undergoing ankle surgery during the offseason. Throughout training camp, he briefly stepped away from the team before returning and was later excused due to personal reasons. Last week, during the Colts’ joint practices with the Eagles, Taylor was seen in street clothes, coinciding with the team granting him permission to explore a trade.

Despite Taylor’s back-and-forth presence at the team facility during camp and the Colts’ wavering stance on trading him, there hasn’t been significant movement concerning Taylor’s status with the club. The news on Tuesday solidifies that he won’t be available for head coach Shane Steichen for the first month of the season.