What It Means:

According to multiple reports, the Colts are considering placing Taylor on the non-football injury list due to a back injury he suffered while working out on his own in the offseason. However, Taylor dismissed these reports and claimed he "never had a back pain" and "never reported a back pain." The star back just requested a trade and is threatening to hold out, but if he doesn't play during the 2023 season due to a non-football injury, that would essentially eliminate any leverage the running back has over the Colts. Zack Moss exited Monday's practice with an arm injury, so Deon Jackson is currently the RB1 for Indianapolis. Fifth-round pick Evan Hull, journeyman Jake Funk, and undrafted rookie Zavier Scott are the other running backs on the roster.

Assuming that Taylor will not play for the Colts this season and the rest of the depth chart will be healthy for Week 1, Moss is the RB32 and Jackson is the RB43 in numberFire's preseason rankings. Our models project Moss for 206.2 carries, 909.7 rushing yards, 13.7 receptions (19.5 targets), 90.3 receiving yards, and 4.71 touchdowns. Jackson is projected for 137.4 rush attempts, 567.7 rushing yards, 21.1 receptions (29.2 targets), 144.2 receiving yards, and 3.30 touchdowns.