Colts coach says Jonathan Taylor will play full load against Cowboys

Indianapolis Colts coach Shane Steichen said on Wednesday that Jonathan Taylor will not see his playing time reduced this weekend. The Pro Bowl running back is scheduled to play in the full capacity against the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

This decision comes one day before the NFL trade deadline. Taylor carried the ball eight times in last week's 42 to 7 loss at Jacksonville. That total was a sharp drop from his previous season low of 15 carries at Pittsburgh and tied for the fifth fewest in his seven year career.

Steichen stated the team is not protecting its top asset from injury. He said there are many hypotheticals circulating about trade talks, but Taylor is on the roster and wants to win the game. The coach noted that Taylor is excited for the opportunity to play.

Taylor, 27, has become a central figure in franchise discussions following the firing of general manager Chris Ballard two weeks ago. The team also traded long time teammates Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner for draft picks last week. Taylor finished third in league rushing in 2025 and is currently fifth this year.

The team captain urged his peers to focus on winning now rather than debating the franchise's future. He told reporters in Jacksonville that opponents are looking for an easy target and that the team must fight its way out of a corner. Taylor said the situation is not getting easier and players must accept that reality as a first step.

The Colts re signed defensive tackle Adetomiwa Adebawore to a two year contract worth $35 million. The deal includes $22 million in guarantees and a $13 million signing bonus. Adebawore has matched his career high with four sacks this season. He said he felt comfortable with the negotiations and is excited for the upcoming week.

The 2 to 6 Colts are entering the final stretch of the season with uncertainty about their roster. Owner Carlie Irsay Gordon has indicated a willingness to collect draft picks and shed salary cap space for next year. The team lacks a first round pick in 2027 after sending that selection to the New York Jets last November for corner back Sauce Gardner. The Colts are 2 to 13 since that trade.

Gardner acknowledged the season has not gone as planned but said the team has a unique opportunity to improve its record. Steichen maintains that Daniel Jones is the starting quarterback despite turnover issues. Receiver Josh Downs is also available after requesting a trade and will face his brother Caleb Downs in Sunday's game.