The Delicate Balance: Jonathan Taylor’s Workload and the Colts’ Long-Term Vision
The NFL is a league of extremes—extreme talent, extreme pressure, and extreme physical demands. So, when a team like the Indianapolis Colts openly discusses lightening the workload of their star running back, Jonathan Taylor, it’s worth paying attention. Taylor, a workhorse in every sense of the word, has been the engine of the Colts’ offense for the past two seasons. But here’s the catch: even engines need maintenance.
The Workhorse Dilemma
Jonathan Taylor’s numbers are staggering. Since 2024, he ranks second in the NFL with 626 rushing attempts and has been on the field for over 80% of the Colts’ offensive snaps. Last season alone, he accounted for a jaw-dropping 46% of his team’s offensive touches. Personally, I think what makes this particularly fascinating is how Taylor’s elite production—3,016 yards and 29 touchdowns in two seasons—has become both a blessing and a potential curse. The Colts are walking a tightrope here. On one hand, they’re riding Taylor’s success to victories. On the other, they’re risking his long-term health and, by extension, the team’s future.
What many people don’t realize is that running backs are among the most expendable players in the NFL. Their shelf life is notoriously short, and overworking them can accelerate their decline. The Colts’ running backs coach, DeAndre Smith, recently acknowledged this, stating the need to find ways to reduce Taylor’s workload. But here’s the rub: finding a reliable No. 2 back hasn’t been easy.
The Backup Conundrum
Since Zack Moss’s departure in 2024, the Colts have struggled to find a capable backup. Investments in the position have been minimal, and the results have been underwhelming. Evan Hull, a 2023 fifth-round pick, spent two years on the practice squad before leaving. Veterans like Trey Sermon and Khalil Herbert haven’t lived up to expectations. From my perspective, this highlights a broader issue in the NFL: the undervaluing of depth at the running back position. Teams often prioritize star power over sustainability, and the Colts are now feeling the consequences.
The current running back room behind Taylor is arguably the thinnest in the league. DJ Giddens, a 2025 fifth-rounder, and Seth McGowan, a seventh-round rookie, are the leading candidates to share the load. Giddens showed promise at Kansas State, but his NFL experience is limited. McGowan’s college numbers are unremarkable. If you take a step back and think about it, the Colts are essentially gambling on unproven talent to protect their most valuable offensive asset.
The Pass-Catching Factor
One thing that immediately stands out is Taylor’s role as a receiver. While he’s not an elite pass-catcher, he’s reliable enough to keep defenses honest. The Colts could theoretically shift some of his receiving workload to another back, but that’s easier said than done. Taylor’s presence on third downs is invaluable, and removing him from those situations could disrupt the offense’s rhythm. This raises a deeper question: how do you balance maximizing a player’s strengths while also preserving their health?
The Future of the Backfield
In my opinion, the Colts’ best bet is to focus on developing Giddens as a change-of-pace back. His explosiveness and ability to create big plays in open space could complement Taylor’s bruising style. However, relying solely on a rookie is risky. The Colts might need to explore veteran options during roster cuts, though that’s a gamble in itself. What this really suggests is that the team’s front office needs to rethink its approach to roster construction. Investing in depth, not just star power, should be a priority.
Broader Implications
The Colts’ situation with Jonathan Taylor is a microcosm of a larger trend in the NFL. Teams are increasingly reliant on their star players, often at the expense of long-term sustainability. This isn’t just about the Colts or Taylor—it’s about the league’s approach to player management. A detail that I find especially interesting is how this mirrors the broader cultural shift in sports, where short-term success often overshadows long-term health and development.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on the Colts’ dilemma, I’m reminded of the old adage: “You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone.” Jonathan Taylor is a once-in-a-generation talent, but even he has limits. The Colts’ challenge isn’t just about finding a backup—it’s about rethinking their strategy to ensure Taylor remains effective for years to come. Personally, I think this is a wake-up call for the entire league. If the NFL wants to protect its stars and maintain competitive balance, it needs to prioritize depth and sustainability. Otherwise, we’ll continue to see teams walking the tightrope, hoping their workhorses don’t break down before it’s too late.
