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The Indianapolis Colts announced on Saturday afternoon that running back Jonathan Taylor has been placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 List and is unavailable for Sunday’s game against the Tennessee Titans:
#Colts RB Jonathan Taylor has been quarantined since his girlfriend learned Friday she tested positive for COVID-19 following an out-of-town trip, per source. Taylor hasn’t tested positive himself, but because of protocols, he’s out for Sunday’s game against the #Titans.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 28, 2020
The rookie running back has rushed for a team-leading 518 rushing yards on 135 carries (3.8 ypc. avg.) and 4 rushing touchdowns during 10 games (8 starts).
He’s coming off arguably his best career game, as he rushed for 90 rushing yards on 22 carries (4.1 ypc. avg.) against the Green Bay Packers last weekend.
Taylor joins a pair of starting defensive linemen: DeForest Buckner and Denico Autry on the Colts’ Reserve/COVID-19 list—as all three players will be out of action for Sunday’s pivotal game versus the divisional rival Titans.
The Colts will also be without starting center Ryan Kelly (neck) and linebacker Bobby Okereke (ankle)—and still have 6 others players officially listed as questionable ahead of Sunday’s matchup (as rookie cornerback Isaiah Rodgers’ [knee] status has been downgraded).
On their increasingly depleted roster, the Colts also announced that the team has elevated both backup center Joey Hunt and defensive end Cassius Marsh to their active roster as COVID-19 replacements from the practice squad, along with defensive lineman Kameron Cline and rookie defensive tackle Rob Windsor for additional depth.
Wide receiver Ashton Dulin was additionally activated from the team’s injured reserve.
Obviously, the timing off these Colts’ COVID-19 and health hits isn’t ideal ahead of arguably the biggest game remaining on their schedule as the 7-3 Titans come to town—with a battle brewing for control of the AFC South—as whichever team wins is firmly in the driver’s seat.