Per the report, coach Shane Steichen noted earlier this week that he doesn't have a timetable for when Taylor might return from a thumb procedure, but at this stage an IR stint doesn't appear to be in the cards for the running back. For the duration of his absence, Zack Moss -- who filled in for Taylor earlier this season when he was on the reserve/PUP list due to an ankle injury -- is slated to lead the teams' backfield, with Trey Sermon in reserve.
Taylor's yardage total was his second highest of the season, and his final line marked his first time in three games averaging over 4.0 yards per carry. The fourth-year pro punched in his third and fourth touchdowns of the campaign on four- and one-yard runs in the first and fourth quarters, respectively. Although his blanking through the air for the first time this season was a disappointment, Taylor's ability to produce in that area isn't in question. The talented back next faces a tough Titans run defense in a Week 13 road divisional matchup.
The rushing yards total was his lowest since Week 6, but Taylor made an impact as a receiver instead, taking a screen pass from Gardner Minshew 10 yards for a TD in the second quarter. The running back has brought in at least three catches in three of his last four games, posting a 14-115-1 line on 17 targets over that stretch. Taylor should again be one of the focal points of the Colts' offense in Week 10 against a Patriots defense that's given up a touchdown to a RB in three straight contests.
Taylor put together an impressive performance on the ground for the second straight week, but he notably logged just one more carry than backfield mate Zack Moss, who also recorded the Colts' only rushing touchdown. Taylor appears to be explosive following his offseason ankle surgery, but with Moss also remaining effective and a similarly proficient pass catcher, it appears the duo will continue to operate in a fairly even timeshare for the foreseeable future. Taylor draws a favorable matchup in Week 9 on the road against the vulnerable Panthers run defense.