Taylor won't discuss Colts rift, focused on return: 'Right now, I'm here'

Jonathan Taylor spoke to the media for the first time since June on Thursday, but the Indianapolis Colts running back declined to go into details about his standoff with the team, instead focusing on his health and potential return to action.

"I don't think it matters on if I'm saying I'm committed or not because I'm here. If somebody wasn't committed, they wouldn't be here," Taylor said, per Dominic Miranda of WTHR. "And right now, I'm here."

The 24-year-old added that his main goal was to get healthy after requiring ankle surgery in January, according to George Bremner of The Herald Bulletin.

Taylor requested a trade in July amid a deteriorating relationship with the franchise following the Colts' decision not to give him an extension this offseason.

However, the AFC South club opted to keep the running back after failing to receive an offer that met its asking price.

"I'm not here to get into contract things," he said, according to James Boyd of The Athletic.

The Miami Dolphins and the Green Bay Packers reportedly were the main suitors for Taylor.

Taylor, who missed the first four games of the season while on the physically unable to perform list, returned to practice Thursday as a full participant. However, he said he's still unsure when he'll be ready to play

The 2021 NFL rushing champion is in the final year of his rookie contract. He is coming off a down season in which he appeared in just 11 games and finished with 861 yards and four touchdowns.

Led by rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson and head coach Shane Steichen, the Colts have gone 2-2 during Taylor's absence. Richardson said Wednesday that he's "excited" to take the field with the former All-Pro running back.

Copyright (C) 2023 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.