


A new Jonathan Taylor injury has dealt a blow to the Colts’ playoff hopes — and to fantasy football players.
The star running back is scheduled to undergo thumb surgery on Wednesday, with the team hoping he’ll be back in two to three weeks, Colts owner Jim Irsay told The Athletic.
NFL Network, which first reported Taylor was dealing with a thumb injury, reported that it’s possible he goes on injured reserve, which would knock Taylor out for a minimum of four games.
The Colts (6-5), who have won three straight games, hold the No. 7 spot in the AFC but are tied with the Texans and Broncos, while the Bills sit at 6-6.
Taylor, 24, missed the first four games of the season while he was on the PUP list dealing with ankle issues following a January surgery.
He also was embattled in a contract dispute with the team and at one point requested a trade, but the two sides agreed in October to a three-year, $42 million contract extension with $26.5 million guaranteed before he returned to the field.
The 2021 Pro Bowler has rushed for 414 yards and four touchdowns in seven games, adding 137 receiving yards and another score.
Taylor had been rewarding fantasy players who stashed him on IR to begin the season, but his injury comes with many fantasy leagues having two weeks left before the playoffs.
Backup Zack Moss filled in admirably for Taylor early this season; he has 672 yards rushing and five touchdowns in 10 games, along with 138 yards receiving and another touchdown.
The Colts have remained competitive with Gardner Minshew under center despite impressive rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson suffering a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 5.
Indianapolis travels to face the Titans on Sunday before visiting the Bengals on Dec. 10.
They finish the season with a home game against the Steelers, a road tilt against the Falcons and a pair of home games against the Raiders and Texans.