Colts' Jonathan Taylor Placed on IR with Ankle Injury; Out for Season
Dec 20, 2022
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 4: Jonathan Taylor #28 of the Indianapolis Colts runs the ball during a game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on December 4, 2022 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Colts 54-19. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor's 2022 season is over, as the AFC South team placed him on injured reserve Tuesday, per Daniel Popper of The Athletic.
Taylor suffered a high-ankle sprain during the Colts' Week 15 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, and NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported it was "highly unlikely" he would return during the 2022 campaign given the timing of the setback and the team's 4-9-1 record.
The Wisconsin product missed time throughout the season with ankle concerns and posted 861 yards and four touchdowns on 192 carries to go with 28 catches for 143 yards in 11 games.
It was a far cry from his 2021 season when he was an MVP candidate with 332 carries for 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns, which were all league-high marks. He also added 40 catches for 360 yards and two scores.
While the Colts can't realistically expect to run the ball as well with Taylor sidelined, they will likely turn toward the combination of Deon Jackson and Zack Moss in the meantime.
Report: NFL Insiders 'Convinced' Colts' Jim Irsay Will Pursue Jim Harbaugh to Be HC
Dec 19, 2022
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 03: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines is seen following the Big Ten Championship against the Purdue Boilermakers at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
The Indianapolis Colts may target Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh to be their next head coach.
Zak Keefer of The Athletic reported multiple league sources are "convinced" Colts owner Jim Irsay has Harbaugh at the top of his wishlist. It looks likely that Jeff Saturday, Irsay's unconventional midseason hire, will not get the job on a full-time basis after the Colts blew a 33-point lead to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15.
Harbaugh interviewed for the Vikings' head-coaching position last offseason before recommitting to Michigan. It was the closest he has gotten to leaving his alma mater since taking the job before the 2015 season.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported in February that Harbaugh informed the university that NFL flirtations would not be a yearly issue. Michigan signed Harbaugh to a new five-year contract two weeks after his Vikings interview.
"I called Warde [Manuel, the Michigan athletic director] and I asked him if he wanted me to be the head coach. And he said, 'Yes, 100 percent.' And I said, OK then. That's what I want to do.' And I told him, 'Warde, this will not be a reoccurring theme every year. This was a one-time thing," Harbaugh told Mitch Albom of the Detroit Free Press.
Harbaugh has led Michigan to the College Football Playoff in the last two seasons. The Wolverines' 13-0 mark in 2022 is their first undefeated regular season since 1997, and their 13 wins are the most in a season in program history.
While it would be a surprise to see Harbaugh do an about-face less than a year after he recommitted to Michigan, he has significant ties to the Colts organization. He played for the team from 1994 to 1997, winning Comeback Player of the Year and making the Pro Bowl in 1995.
The Colts inducted Harbaugh into their Ring of Honor in 2005.
NFL Rumors: Colts' Jonathan Taylor Likely out for Rest of Season with Ankle Injury
Dec 19, 2022
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 17: Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) looks on before the NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and Minnesota Vikings on December 17th, 2022, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN. (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is reportedly "highly unlikely" to play again this season after suffering a high ankle sprain in Saturday's loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported no formal determination has been made, but "all eyes are expected to be on a healthy 2023."
Taylor missed time earlier this season in Weeks 5 and 6 with an ankle injury. He returned for Weeks 7 and 8 but then missed Week 9 after reaggravating the injury in an Oct. 30 loss to the Washington Commanders.
In a Week 15 loss to the Minnesota Vikings, Taylor suffered another ankle injury and was ruled out for the remainder of the contest.
Losing the 23-year-old for any period of time certainly isn't ideal for the Colts. He has rushed for 861 yards and four scores in 11 games this season.
However, Indy's offense hasn't played well even with Taylor in the lineup. Quarterback Matt Ryan has been at the root of the team's problems, though the offensive line hasn't been any better.
When Taylor misses time, the Colts turn to Deon Jackson and Zack Moss at running back. Jackson has rushed for 191 yards and one score in 13 games, while Moss, who was acquired from the Buffalo Bills at the trade deadline, has rushed for 112 yards in five games with the Colts.
Indianapolis is third in the AFC South with a 4-9-1 record.
Colts' Jeff Saturday: 'Plenty of Blame to Go Around' After Historic Loss to Vikings
Dec 17, 2022
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 17: Head coach Jeff Saturday of the Indianapolis Colts looks on during the first half of the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 17, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
Indianapolis Colts interim head coach Jeff Saturday didn't pinpoint one specific thing that went wrong for his team in its historic 39-36 overtime loss to the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Saturday said there is "plenty of blame to go around" after the Colts blew a 33-point lead, the largest cushion to be relinquished in NFL history.
Amid an already-disappointing season, Saturday's loss may be the low point for the Colts in 2022.
They did take advantage of sloppy play from the Vikings, returning a blocked punt and an interception for touchdowns en route to a 33-0 lead at halftime.
Even after the Vikings got their first touchdown midway through the third quarter, Indianapolis had a win probability of 99.6 percent.
Here's a complete look at the win probability via ESPN Analytics.
The Colts had as high as a 99.6% chance to win. That came at 6:59 in the 3rd quarter, when it was 33-7. pic.twitter.com/8pjzozcuEK
Since 1930, teams that have led by at least 30 points were 1,548-1-1 in NFL history coming into Saturday, per the NFL Network telecast. The Vikings scored 36 points in the second half to force overtime. Greg Joseph's 40-yard field goal as time expired capped off the largest comeback in league history.
The Colts joined the Houston Oilers as the only teams to lose a game they led by at least 30 points. The Oilers' loss was "The Comeback" playoff game against the Buffalo Bills in January 1993.
Buffalo scored 35 points in the second half to erase a 35-3 deficit. Steve Christie kicked the game-winning field goal in overtime to send the Bills to the AFC Divisional Round.
The Colts had multiple opportunities to put the game away in the fourth quarter. Deon Jackson fumbled the ball on 1st-and-10 with 3:28 remaining, and Vikings cornerback Chandon Sullivan recovered it.
After Indianapolis' defense forced a turnover on downs, the offense got into Minnesota territory with under three minutes remaining in regulation. Saturday called for a quarterback sneak on 4th-and-1 that would have allowed the Colts to run out the clock if they picked it up, but Matt Ryan was stopped on a quarterback sneak.
On the next play, Dalvin Cook took a screen from Kirk Cousins for a 64-yard score to make it 36-34. Cousins found T.J. Hockenson in the end zone on a two-point conversion to tie the game.
The Colts gained a total of 128 yards on 10 offensive possessions in the second half and overtime, including a kneel down on the final play of regulation.
The past two games have been devastating in very different ways for Saturday and the Colts. They allowed the Dallas Cowboys to score 33 points in the fourth quarter to turn a 21-19 game into a 54-19 blowout.
After having a bye last week, the Colts responded with the most improbable loss the NFL has ever seen.
Matt Ryan, Jeff Saturday Torched by Twitter as Colts Blow 33-0 Lead, Fall To Vikings
Dec 17, 2022
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Ryan and head coach Jeff Saturday endured no shortage of vitriol from Twitter on Saturday after the Colts blew a 33-0 lead and fell 39-36 to the Minnesota Vikings in overtime.
Minnesota's win marked the biggest comeback victory in NFL history in the regular season or playoffs, breaking the record of a 32-point comeback previously held by the Buffalo Bills, who overcame that deficit in a playoff win over the Houston Oilers in the 1992 season.
The Vikings trailed 33-0 at halftime because of a cavalcade of errors that included a blocked punt returned for a touchdown, a lost fumble by running back Dalvin Cook, a pick-six thrown by quarterback Kirk Cousins and two failed fourth-down conversions.
It was an entirely different story in the second half and overtime, though, as the Vikings scored 32 unanswered points after a Colts field goal made it 36-7 in the third quarter.
Josh Dubow of the Associated Press noted that the Colts are only the second team since 1930 to lead by 30 or more points in a game and lose:
Teams leading by 30+ are 1,548-1-1 in regular season and playoffs since 1930. The only teams who didn't win: Oilers vs Bills in 1992 playoffs, led 35-3 and lost 41-38 in OT Bills vs Broncos in 1960, led 38-7 and tied 38-38
There was plenty of blame to go around for Indy's collapse, but much of it fell on Ryan and Saturday.
Ryan now holds the distinction of being the losing quarterback in the biggest comeback in NFL history, as well as the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history, as Ryan's Atlanta Falcons blew a 28-3 lead to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI.
Not surprisingly, people on Twitter took advantage of the opportunity to troll Matty Ice:
The first line of Matt Ryan's NFL career profile has been set:
Matt Ryan, the opposing quarterback in the biggest comeback in NFL history and the biggest comeback in Super Bowl history...
While Ryan didn't play a great game with just 182 yards and one touchdown, he didn't turn the ball over either, and it can be argued that Saturday deserves even more of the blame.
The Colts already fired head coach Frank Reich this season and replaced him with Saturday on an interim basis, which was a controversial decision since he didn't previously have any coaching experience beyond the high school level.
Many on Twitter referenced that fact and joked about the Colts potentially firing two head coaches in the same season:
So now that Jeff Saturday has blown the biggest lead in NFL history, and hasn’t won a single game since beating the Raiders, do those of us that said the hire was an embarrassment *still* owe him an apology, or were we right all along?
Others pointed out the irony that the Colts' former head coach, Reich, is no longer on record as being the winning quarterback in the largest comeback in NFL history due to the coaching performance of his replacement:
Haven't seen anyone point this out yet but maybe I just missed it -- the coach who blew the 33-point lead was hired to replace Frank Reich, who QB'd the greatest comeback in NFL historyhttps://t.co/gzLjabccuq
The Colts' season was already essentially over before Saturday's game since even winning out wasn't likely to yield a playoff spot, but now that they are 4-9-1, their fate is sealed.
Meanwhile, the Vikings improved to 11-3 and clinched the NFC North with their win, meaning they will play at least one postseason game at home.
What would have been a hugely embarrassing home loss for the Vikings turned into the ultimate embarrassment for the Colts and left them searching for answers for 2023 and beyond.
Colts' Jonathan Taylor Ruled Out vs. Vikings After Suffering Ankle Injury
Dec 17, 2022
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) runs up the middle during an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Zach Bolinger)
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor was ruled out against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday after he suffered an ankle injury on the opening drive of the game.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Taylor was initially listed as questionable to return before going back to the locker room for further evaluation. He was officially ruled out in the second quarter.
Schefter reported after the game that Taylor was diagnosed with a sprained ankle, adding that Taylor's status for the rest of the season could be in doubt given the Colts' 4-9-1 record despite the injury not being considered major.
Taylor missed Weeks 5 and 6 of this season because of an ankle injury. He returned for Weeks 7 and 8 but suffered a reaggravation of the ailment during the team's 17-16 loss to the Washington Commanders on Oct. 30.
The former University of Wisconsin star was then ruled out for Week 9 against the New England Patriots because of the injury.
Taylor broke out in his second NFL season last year thanks to a league-high 2,171 yards from scrimmage and 20 touchdowns. His 1,811 rushing yards (on 5.5 yards per carry) also led the NFL. He enjoyed Sporting News Offensive Player of the Year and All-Pro honors.
However, the 2022 campaign has not gone nearly as well. Through 10 games, Taylor has gained just 991 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown. His rushing yards per game has gone from 106.5 down to 86.1, and he's averaging a full yard lower per carry (4.5).
The Colts' offensive issues are far greater than one player and certainly not Taylor's fault. Indianapolis made both midseason offensive coordinator and quarterback changes in hopes of jump-starting a unit that is 31st in the NFL in scoring. The offensive line has also not performed as well.
Ultimately, the Colts are a better team with a healthy Taylor, but for the time being, it'll be up to Deon Jackson to lead the way. He's been featured heavily in the pass game (20 receptions, 124 yards) and has rushed for 136 yards and a score.
Third-year pro Zack Moss should also be in the mix too.
Jim Irsay Says Jeff Saturday Among 'a Lot of Great' Candidates for Colts HC Job
Dec 15, 2022
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 28: Head coach Jeff Saturday of the Indianapolis Colts looks on in the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said Wednesday that interim head coach Jeff Saturday is a candidate for the team's permanent head coaching position.
When speaking to reporters, Irsay noted that Saturday is one of "a lot of great candidates" who are being considered for the job:
"I'm looking forward to the interview process. I think Jeff's a candidate, but there's a lot of great candidates out there. I think there's a lot of great candidates in college. I think the pool needs to be broadened somewhat more. There's some great college coaches that may be capable. There's some unknown coaches that may be capable."
Irsay took the football world by surprise in November when he named Saturday the Colts' interim head coach following the firing of Frank Reich, despite Saturday having no previous coaching experience beyond the high school level.
Reich had been the Colts' head coach for parts of five seasons, leading them to the playoffs in 2018 and 2020, but falling short in 2021 due to a late-season collapse.
The Colts were off to a 3-5-1 start when they fired him this season, and the offense was a disaster, which had led Reich to bench veteran quarterback Matt Ryan in favor of Sam Ehlinger.
Ryan was reinstalled as the starter when Saturday arrived, but it hasn't made much of a difference, as Indy is just 1-3 since Saturday took over.
The 47-year-old Saturday is best known for his 13-year run as a center for the Colts, during which time he was a five-time Pro Bowler, two-time first-team All-Pro and one-time Super Bowl champion. He also earned a Pro Bowl nod in his only season with the Green Bay Packers in 2012.
While Saturday was a great player, the jury is still out on his coaching ability, and he will likely need to finish the season strong in order to have a legitimate chance at the full-time job.
Irsay did not indicate any specific coaching candidates he is considering outside of Saturday, but it sounds like he is planning to look far and wide based on his comments regarding college coaches.
Not counting interim coaches, the Colts have had only four different head coaches since 2002, making them one of the more stable franchises in the NFL during that time.
They have been more tumultuous in recent years, though, and with only two playoff appearances in the past eight seasons, it is easy to see why.
The Colts have some big-time talent on defense and in the backfield in the form of running back Jonathan Taylor, but until they figure out their quarterback and coaching situations, they aren't much of a factor in the AFC.
Colts' Jim Irsay Says He's 'Not Ready' to Vote Dan Snyder Out as Commanders Owner
Dec 15, 2022
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - OCTOBER 30: Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay speaks during a Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor induction ceremony during halftime of a game against the Washington Commanders at Lucas Oil Stadium on October 30, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay said Wednesday that he is "not ready" to vote out Daniel Syder as owner of the Washington Commanders.
"I'm not ready to vote him out. I need to hear more here. ... I'm not ready to vote him out," Irsay said, per Mark Maske of the Washington Post. "Again, it's something where we want to get more information about everything."
Irsay also commented on the matter in October, saying that removing Snyder as owner of the Commanders should be carefully considered.
"I'm not sure how that report's going to come out. But what already has come out is extremely disturbing, and I disagree with the process. And I most likely disagree that we haven't discussed something more severe such as him being removed as owner. As I said, it's not something that I'm saying we should do. I'm saying it's something that has to be given serious consideration."
Twenty-four owners would need to vote in approval of ousting Snyder as owner of the Washington franchise. However, it might not need to come down to a vote.
Snyder and his wife Tanya announced in November that they had hired Bank of America Securities "to consider potential transactions" involving the Commanders.
Bank of America is set to release the prospectus on the Commanders to potential buyers and sources believe Snyder will "most likely" sell his full stake in the franchise, Maske, Jhabvala and Liz Clarke of the Washington Post reported Wednesday.
Snyder purchased the Commanders for $800 million in 1999. The franchise is now valued at $5.6 billion, according to Forbes.
Amazon tycoon Jeff Bezos, president and CEO of United Wholesale Mortgage Mat Ishbia and media entrepreneur Byron Allen have been linked as potential buyers of the NFL's Washington franchise.
The potential sale of the Commanders comes after Snyder and the franchise were under investigation by the United States House Committee on Oversight for allegedly fostering a toxic workplace environment, in addition to sexual harassment allegations.
The year-long investigation headed by Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney found that the NFL and the Commanders "covered up decades of sexual misconduct":
"The Committee's investigation shows that sexual harassment, bullying, and other toxic conduct pervaded the Commanders workplace, perpetuated by a culture of fear instilled by the Team's owner. Despite the NFL's knowledge, through its internal investigation, that the Team's owner permitted and participated in the workplace misconduct, and engaged in tactics used to intimidate, surveil, and pay off victims, the NFL aligned its legal interests with the Commanders, failed to curtail these abusive tactics, and buried the investigation's findings."
The NFL also conducted its own investigation into the Commanders' workplace culture and fined the franchise $10 million in July 2021 but did not release a written report of the probe's findings.
In addition, the U.S. attorney's office in the Eastern District of Virginia opened an investigation into the Commanders in November for alleged financial improprieties.
The franchise allegedly withheld security deposits from season-ticket holders or made them difficult to get back. It was then fined $250,000 in a settlement with Maryland Attorney General Brian E. Frosh in relation to the security deposits.
In addition, Washington is accused of keeping two accounting books to avoid sending the NFL money meant for the league's revenue-sharing pool.
Jeff Saturday 'Not Wavering,' Wants to Interview for Colts' Full-Time HC Position
Dec 13, 2022
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - NOVEMBER 28: Head coach Jeff Saturday of the Indianapolis Colts walks off the field after being defeated by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the game at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
Indianapolis Colts interim coach Jeff Saturday wants the chance to become the team's permanent coach.
"I'm not wavering," he said Tuesday, per ESPN's Stephen Holder. "I've loved it. I've had a great time."
The Colts are 1-3 since Saturday took over for Frank Reich, losing their last three games after a win over the Las Vegas Raiders. The team lost to the Dallas Cowboys 54-19 on Dec. 4 before its Week 14 open date.
Despite the struggles, Saturday wants an opportunity to earn the full-time job.
"I plan on interviewing," he said. "As long as they give me the interview, I'm in. I enjoy the heck out of this and have had a lot of fun doing it. Again, I'm not discouraged at all. I have a vision of what this could look like in the future and plan to work that way. That's what I do every day—work toward that goal, understanding what that could look like."
Saturday was a surprising hire last month considering he wasn't already on the staff. The six-time Pro Bowl center hadn't coached in the NFL or college prior to joining the Colts.
Team CEO Jim Irsay was still confident Saturday would thrive in the role, leaving open the possibility he will keep the job:
Jim Irsay on Jeff Saturday: "You wanna bet against this guy? Put your money down, people ... this is for eight games, hopefully more."
Irsay told reporters there will be a full interview process at the end of the season, which will be necessary to satisfy the Rooney Rule. The Fritz Pollard Alliance initiated an inquiry into the Colts' hiring process last month to check if it conformed with the league's guidelines.
According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator and assistant head coach Leslie Frazier could be a candidate for the job.
Saturday will have a chance to improve his résumé over the next four games, starting with a Week 15 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings. The playoffs are a long shot for the 4-8-1 Colts, but a strong finish could help Saturday impress the decision-makers in the front office.
