### Colts' Jonathan Taylor Reflects on High Ankle Sprain Recovery

INDIANAPOLIS - Colts running back Jonathan Taylor initially believed his current high ankle sprain to be less severe compared to a previous injury. However, Taylor has not participated in practice sessions since sustaining the injury during the team's victory over the Steelers. On Thursday, Taylor provided an update on his condition, expressing his determination to return to the field.

"I'm getting super excited, just continuing to push forward," Taylor said when asked about his practice status this week and the possibility of playing on Sunday. "We've been progressing every single day, just pushing myself, trying to find a way to get the pain out. Anything you can do to get back on the field with your guys."

When questioned about his recovery indicators, Taylor highlighted the significance of pain reduction. "As we continue to do more exercises, different movements, the absence or reduction of pain is a positive sign," he mentioned. "That's the biggest thing right now."

Taylor acknowledged that the pain level has decreased significantly, allowing him to perform more movements. "The pain level has definitely gone down," he said. "A lot of things you can work through, but there's definitely a point where you can't do it."

Regarding the timeline of his injury, Taylor was realistic yet hopeful. "Once they said high ankle, I knew high ankles are usually four to six weeks," he explained. "But you know me, attacking different rehabs and injuries, I was like, there's no way. I've just got to do everything in my power to keep chopping that down every single day."

Taylor also addressed the possibility of being placed on injured reserve, a topic he prefers to avoid. "I never like to throw that around," he said. "Especially being on PUP last year. That's definitely not a place you want to be if you don't have to be there."

Reflecting on the weight of his injury, Taylor admitted that it has been challenging. "Yeah, it has been," he said. "The only good thing about it was when you don't hear the word surgery, we know this is fixable. Just keeping that end goal in mind has been fueling me."

In the 2024 NFL season, Taylor has showcased his talent with 349 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns on 72 carries, averaging 4.8 yards per carry. He also contributed 77 receiving yards on 6 catches, averaging 12.8 yards per catch.

As Taylor continues to work towards his recovery, the Colts will rely on backups Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson. Sermon has accumulated 83 yards on 37 carries with 2 scores, while Goodson has proven to be a more productive back with 77 rushing yards on 13 carries and 47 receiving yards on 8 catches for the season.

Taylor's commitment to returning stronger remains unwavering, and his progress is closely monitored by fans, teammates, and the coaching staff who eagerly await his return to the field.