Jonathan Taylor Injury: What We Know About Colts Running Back's Surgery

The Indianapolis Colts' push toward the postseason just got more difficult.

All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor will undergo thumb surgery in Los Angeles, California, on Wednesday, team owner Jim Irsay confirmed to The Athletic. The Pro Bowler missed the first four games of the 2023 season while on the physically unable to perform list with an ankle injury he suffered last season, and will be out at least two weeks this time around, per Irsay.

Newsweek reached out to the Colts via email for additional comment.

The Colts are on a three-game winning streak but suddenly will be without perhaps their best offensive player for another extended stretch. Here's what we know on Taylor's injury, potential return and how the Colts will manage in his absence.

What Happened to Taylor?

Taylor suffered his thumb injury during Sunday's 27-20 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the team determined it needed further evaluation, as first reported by NFL Media.

The 24-year old ran for 91 yards and a season-high two touchdowns in the victory. Irsay told The Athletic that Taylor's surgery will be performed by Steven S. Shin, an orthopedic hand surgeon who has previously performed thumb surgeries for professional athletes, from former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees to Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout.

When Will Taylor Be Back From Surgery?

The hope is soon. Irsay said in his interview that the Colts are optimistic the former rushing champion can return in two or three weeks.

"Hopefully it's only two weeks, but time will tell," Irsay said to James Boyd of The Athletic. "There's just not a lot of confidence in controlling [the ball] and the hand strength at this point, so the decision has been made to move forward in that direction."

Over the next three weeks the Colts (6-5) will play at the Titans (4-7) and Bengals (5-6) before hosting the Steelers (7-4). And, per Irsay's timeline, each of those games could be played without Taylor in the lineup. Indianapolis currently sits in the third and final AFC Wild Card spot—in other terms, the No. 7 seed in the conference's playoff picture. But three other six-win teams, the Houston Texans, Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills, are right behind the Colts in the standings.

NFL Media's Ian Rapoport said there has been no decision made as to whether Taylor will be placed on injured reserve.

Colts Will Turn to Zack Moss in Backfield

Head coach Shane Steichen's first year as Indy's head coach certainly hasn't been an easy one.

Offseason drama kept Taylor away from the team over the summer, and there were rumors he could be traded—though a new three-year, $42 million contract extension was signed in October. And rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson, one of many injured Colts this year, underwent season-ending shoulder surgery after a promising start to his rookie campaign. And now Indianapolis will be without Taylor as it goes for its first playoff berth since the 2020 season.

On the bright side, backup running back Zack Moss thrived when he got his turn in the backfield earlier this season while Taylor was out. And, despite losing carries in recent weeks, Moss still ranks 10th in the NFL in rushing yards (672). The 25-year-old is averaging 4.8 yards per carry and has scored six total touchdowns this season.

Trey Sermon, a 2021 third-round pick by the San Francisco 49ers, is the only other running back on Indy's roster. The 24-year-old has 210 career rushing yards.