Former Wisconsin Badgers running back Jonathan Taylor is not happy with his current team, the Indianapolis Colts. Jim Irsay, the owner of the franchise, recently made disparaging remarks regarding the value of running backs in the NFL. Of course, these comments came after several running backs called out teams on social media for low-balling them.
Over the weekend, Taylor and Irsay met privately to discuss the comments. Whatever was said did not sit well with Taylor, who requested a trade later that day. For his part, Irsay has been adamant that the Colts will not trade Taylor, who has one year left on his rookie deal. Furthermore, it sounds like Indianapolis is ready to take drastic actions to keep Taylor, even if it means displeasing the 2021 NFL rushing leader even more.
Former Wisconsin Badgers Running Back Jonathan Taylor Could Be Placed on the NFI List
Taylor has not been practicing with the Colts so far in training camp. This is not because of his dispute with Irsay, but rather because he suffered a back injury while working out.
And this is where the Colts are trying to take advantage of Taylor. He suffered the injury while working out independently in Arizona. As a result, he is currently on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Players on the PUP list still get paid by their teams and their contracts run on as usual.
According to Mike Chappel, who has covered the Colts since 1984, Indianapolis is considering putting Taylor on the non-football injury (NFI) list, which would have serious consequences for their star running back:
Breaking: Colts considering placing Jonathan Taylor on non-football injury list (NFI), per source. He suffered some type of back injury while working out on own in Arizona. Also still rehabbing from January ankle surgery. Currently on PUP.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) July 31, 2023
Whereas players on the PUP list get paid and see their contracts continue on, players on the NFI do not. If the Colts decide to place Taylor on the NFI list, they could withhold as much of his base salary as they want. Furthermore, it could mean that Taylor would not hit free agency after this upcoming season, as he is scheduled to.
Clarification: Any injury suffered away from a team facility is considered a NFI.
This is certainly a very big mess and there does not seem to be an end in sight. At this point, one has to wonder if Taylor will suit up at all in 2023.
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