Steelers Opponent Loses All-Pro Player to Injury

Colts running back Jonathan Taylor suffered a thumb injury that could sideline him for an indefinite amount of time, according to multiple reports. The 2021 First-Team All-Pro running back returned midseason this year after recovering from ankle surgery and resolving a contract dispute with the Colts. He is coming off a two-touchdown performance against Tampa Bay, but the Steelers play the Colts in three weeks. If Taylor misses any time, he could potentially miss that game, which is still to be determined for which day and time slot it will be assigned.

Since returning to the lineup, Taylor is averaging 4.1 yards per carry this year. Indianapolis has used both Taylor and Zack Moss as critical anchors for the offense once rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson was lost for the season after suffering a severe shoulder sprain that required surgery.

Taylor and the Colts agreed to a new three-year, $42 million contract with $26.5 million in guaranteed money. He was on the physically unable-to-perform list with an ankle injury while also holding out for a new contract. He returned to game action and, in that limited action, has been serviceable but not entirely up to speed. But Moss has picked up the slack with 672 rushing yards, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. Even if Taylor is out, Moss will present the Steelers with a tough matchup in his breakout campaign behind an offensive line that has improved in the run game over time.