Colts RB Jonathan Taylor to return to practice this week - ESPN

INDIANAPOLIS — Colts All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor, eligible to return from the physically unable to perform list as of Monday, will resume practicing with the team Wednesday and could play as soon as Sunday's game against the Titans, coach Shane Steichen said.

Taylor has been on the reserve-PUP list since Week 1, prohibiting him from playing or practicing with the Colts for the first four weeks of the season. Taylor can practice and be evaluated by the Colts for up to 21 days before he is required to be activated to the 53-man roster.

Steichen said he had a productive conversation with Taylor, who has been in a bitter dispute with the team over the lack of a contract extension and had previously demanded a trade.

«He's super excited to be back with his teammates, and I look forward to having him,» Steichen said.

When asked whether there was a chance Taylor could play Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, Steichen said, «Could be, yes.»

Taylor hasn't played or practiced with the Colts since Dec. 17, when he reinjured his right ankle and was placed on injured reserve. He was sidelined during the Colts' offseason program and complained of lingering pain in his ankle when he reported to training camp in July.

Taylor has been working out with the team's rehab staff ever since, and those workouts have intensified of late.

«He's in good shape,» Steichen said. «Conditioning-wise, obviously putting on the pads and practicing is a different deal. I know it's been a long time since he's played football, so we'll see how practice goes this week, see where he is at physically from putting the pads on, and we'll go from there.»

The significant level of acrimony between the parties in recent months — Taylor had previously been