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.
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Keenan Allen
Heading to Indianapolis
The Colts are signing Allen to a one-year contract worth up to $8.32 million, NFL reporter Jordan Schultz reports.
Anthony Richardson Sr.
Remains in Colts' plans
Richardson is expected to remain with the Colts in 2026, Stephen Holder of ESPN.com reports.
Alec Pierce
Won't return during training camp
Head coach Shane Steichen said Sunday that he doesn't expect Pierce (ankle) to return during joint practices leading up to the Colts' second preseason game against the Falcons on Saturday, so Pierce will have missed all of training camp, James Boyd of The Athletic reports.
Josh Downs
Gets green light to practice
Downs briefly left Saturday's practice after landing hard on his back, per Andrew Moore of SI.com, but he later returned to the session, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.
Josh Downs
Exits practice with possible upper body injury
Downs exited Saturday's practice after a hard fall on his back, Andrew Moore of Colts on SI reports.
Tyler Warren
Doesn't play Thursday
Warren did not play in the Colts' 13-13 tie with the Patriots in Thursday's preseason game.
Jonathan Taylor
Rested in preseason opener
Taylor was among the Colts' key skill players who didn't see action in Thursday's preseason opener against the Patriots.
Seth McGowan
Gets start in preseason opener
McGowan carried the ball five times for 17 yards in Thursday's 13-13 preseason tie with the Patriots. He also lost a fumble.
Anthony Richardson Sr.
Two turnovers in preseason tie
Richardson got the start in Thursday's 13-13 preseason tie with the Patriots, completing 11 of 14 passes for 145 yards and an interception while adding 53 rushing yards and a touchdown on six carries. He also lost a fumble.
Seth McGowan
Impresses with tough running
McGowan churned out a "handful of big gains" on the ground during the Colts' joint practice session with the Patriots on Tuesday, Joel Erickson of The Indianapolis Star reports.
