Coaching staff split on workload
Taylor is prepared to handle another massive workload in 2026, though the Colts are hoping to ease the load on their star running back, Stephen Holder of ESPN.com reports.
"We definitely need to find ways to take some of that workload off him," running backs coach DeAndre Smith said of Taylor during the team's spring workouts, but coach Shane Steichen added, "It's hard to take (Taylor) off the field when he's running so good," and therein lies the Colts' conundrum. Taylor handled a league-high 323 rushing attempts in 2025, topping 300 for the third time in his career, and he managed to play in all 17 regular-season games for only the second time in six NFL campaigns. The Colts would like to ease some of the wear and tear on their star running back, but they likely won't feel comfortable doing so unless either 2025 fifth-round pick DJ Giddens or 2026 seventh-rounder Seth McGowan emerges as a capable alternative in the backfield.
More Indianapolis Colts Fantasy Football News
Daniel Jones
Continues to progress
On the subject of his Achilles rehab, Jones said Friday, "I'm doing everything. Cleared to do everything. I think it's just about, at this point, sharpening that," James Boyd of The Athletic reports.
DJ Giddens
Competing for backup role
After a quiet rookie season, Giddens will compete against Seth McGowan for the backup running back role behind Jonathan Taylor for the 2026 season, Paul Pretl of USA Today reports.
Tyler Warren
To maintain key role in Year 2
In his second year as a pro, Warren is a candidate to see his role in the Colts offense continue to grow, according to Mike Chappell of Fox 59 News Indianapolis.
Jonathan Taylor
Set for another huge workload?
Colts coach Shane Steichen told reporters this offseason that it's a "fair assessment" to have concern about Taylor's workload, but Steichen also said it's hard to take his star running back off the field when he's playing so well, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan reports.
Ashton Dulin
Competing for expanded role
Dulin has impressed at OTAs and mandatory minicamp and is making a push for the No. 3 wide receiver role behind Alec Pierce (ankle) and Josh Downs, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.
Daniel Jones
Should see 11-on-11 work next month
Coach Shane Steichen said this week that Jones (Achilles) is expected to participate in 11-on-11 drills when training camp begins next month, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.
Alec Pierce Pierce
Discusses ankle surgery
Pierce (ankle) revealed Wednesday that he underwent surgery this spring after not getting the results he wanted from a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection at the start of the offseason, JJ Stankevitz of Colts.com reports.
Alec Pierce Pierce
May miss start of training camp
Coach Shane Steichen acknowledged Tuesday that Pierce, who is bouncing back from an offseason ankle procedure, isn't a lock to be ready for the start of training camp, Stephen Holder of ESPN.com reports.
Daniel Jones
Progresses to 7-on-7 drills
Jones (Achilles) is participating in 7-on-7 drills Monday, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.
Daniel Jones
Throwing at OTAs
Jones (Achilles) is present at OTAs on Wednesday and is throwing to teammates on individual routes, Joel Erickson of the Indianapolis Star reports.