Colts' Ballard: We need to get Taylor 100% healthy before he returns to field

Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard emphasized that running back Jonathan Taylor's health has been the roadblock in his return to the field.

"Look, I think the world of Jonathan," Ballard said Tuesday on Sirius XM NFL radio, according to Mike Chappell of CBS4. "He's been a great Colt, a great player for the Colts. Unfortunately, last year he got hurt early in the season, was dinged up all year, fought through it until he finally got to the point where he had to have this surgery.

"Now, he's finishing his rehab process. Hopefully, as we move forward here, we'll get him back. But we need to get him 100% healthy before we do anything."

Head coach Shane Steichen also said Tuesday that Taylor is rehabbing but wouldn't get into specifics, per Chappell.

The 24-year-old reportedly returned to the club Monday after rehabbing his ankle injury away from the squad. The Colts placed Taylor on the PUP list at the start of camp, and he'll need clearance from team doctors before returning to practice.

Taylor reportedly requested a trade from Indianapolis in July after meeting with owner Jim Irsay over his contract. Taylor is set to enter the season on the final year of his rookie deal. But Irsay said the team doesn't plan to trade the disgruntled running back and that there are no immediate plans to sign him to an extension.

The 2021 rushing champion has recorded 3,841 yards on 756 carries in 43 career games.

The Colts open their season on Sept. 10 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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