Healthy Jonathan Taylor on Colts future - 'I'm here right now' - ESPN

INDIANAPOLIS — Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has returned to practice this week to much fanfare, but his long-term future with the team is still very much clouded even after his first comments in nearly four months.

Taylor, the All-Pro running back who has been in a protracted contract standoff with the team, said Thursday that he is finally healthy after right ankle surgery. But when asked whether he wanted to be with the team going forward — particularly in light of his earlier trade request — Taylor's answer spoke volumes.

«I'm here right now,» he said.

Taylor added, «I don't think it matters if I'm saying I'm committed or not, because I'm here. If somebody wasn't committed, they wouldn't be here. And right now, I'm here, and my No. 1 goal is to attack this first practice. It's been over 290 days, I believe.»

Taylor has not practiced or played for the Colts since December, when he reinjured his right ankle and was placed on injured reserve for the final three games of the season. He has been designated to return from the physically unable to perform list, and the Colts have 21 days to activate him to the 53-man roster. Indianapolis held a walk-through Wednesday but was scheduled to follow with a full practice Thursday afternoon.

Taylor did not address his contract status during his 11-minute news conference. He is in the final season of his rookie contract after his request for an early extension was denied in May. Taylor, who led the NFL in rushing in 2021, asked for the trade upon reporting to training camp and left camp on two separate occasions.

«I'm not here to get into any contract things,» he said. «Those were over the course of the offseason, but the season is here. We've got the Tennessee Titans on the