Is Jonathan Taylor Injured or Healthy? Fantasy Football Injury Update

June 7, 2023

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is coming off a disappointing 2022 season that saw him run for a career-low 861 yards. Is Taylor still hurt? Will he be a fantasy superstar again?

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is coming off a disappointing 2022 season that saw him run for a career-low 861 yards. Part of the problem for Taylor last season was injuries, as the superstar missed six games with a nagging ankle injury. He had just four touchdowns and finished as the RB33 in PPR leagues. 

After finishing as the RB1 in 2021 and the RB6 in 2020 in PPR leagues, Taylor couldn't maintain that same level of success in 2022. He averaged just 13.3 fantasy points per game last season. However, the 24-year-old will be a high fantasy pick again in 2023 due to his upside in Indianapolis' offense. 

Is Taylor still hurt? Will he be a fantasy superstar again? Let's take a look at the report from the Colts' organized team activities.

Is Jonathan Taylor Injured or Healthy?

Taylor underwent ankle surgery in January to repair the lingering injury he dealt with for most of the 2022 season. The surgery will help him get back to 100% and back to that 2021-type season. 

Even though it's still early into the offseason, Taylor is not participating in the Colts' OTAs after the recent ankle surgery. It's not a surprise to see Indianapolis take a careful approach with their young running back. There's no need to rush him back with a long offseason ahead. 

Despite missing OTAs though, Taylor should still be in a position to be a full go for the start of Training Camp. 

Jonathan Taylor's 2023 Fantasy Outlook

The off-season ankle surgery will, hopefully, help Taylor bounce back from a poor 2022 season. If he can stay healthy in 2023, there's no doubt he can finish as the RB1 in fantasy football again. 

He's just one season removed from that RB1 finish, which saw him run for 1,811 yards and 18 touchdowns. He averaged almost 22 fantasy points per game that season and had nine finishes over 20 fantasy points. Taylor has the upside and potential to repeat that type of performance in 2023.

Taylor has the talent to be a fantasy superstar again, but the arrival of rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson delivers a small hit to his value. With the selection of Richardson, Taylor might see fewer carries and goal-line touches with the 6-foot-4 quarterback under center. Still, the star running back should get enough volume to finish in the RB1 to RB5 range this season. 

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