Taylor enjoys workhorse opener

If HC Frank Reich was considering shaving any portion off RB Jonathan Taylor's role this season, then he totally forgot about it in Week 1. Taylor claimed 31 of Indianapolis' 34 RB rushes in the tie with Houston, as well as 7 targets. That tied for 2nd on the team and edged Nyheim Hines by 1. Taylor racked up 161 yards and a TD on the ground, adding 4 catches for 14 yards. Hines proved efficient as a receiver, catching all 6 of his targets for 50 yards to rank 2nd on the team in both categories. But he gained just 4 yards on 3 rushes and still played too small a role to be trustworthy in starting lineups for most fantasy football formats. Both players likely saw their Week 1 target counts inflated by QB Matt Ryan's 50 pass attempts.

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor took over the rushing in his return Sunday against the Falcons, claiming 18 of 21 Indianapolis RB carries (85.7%). He managed just 43 yards (2.4 per rush). Taylor also ran just 14 routes in a game that saw QB Gardner Minshew attempt 37 passes and take 6 sacks. RB Tyler Goodson beat Taylor 2-1 in targets and logged the team's only RB catch. It seems goofy from here that Taylor wouldn't garner more of the receiving work. That has been a lighter area for him most of the season. But for that to continue even when No. 2 RB Zack Moss is out seems odd. Perhaps it was related to Taylor coming off thumb surgery. We'll watch for any indication Taylor's receiving usage will improve for Week 17. He also gets a weaker run D in the Raiders (22nd in rush DVOA compared with Atlanta at No. 10).

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor (thumb) put in a full week of practice and isn’t listed on the final injury report for Sunday’s game vs. the Falcons. Considering he’s coming back from a thumb injury, Taylor should be ready for a full workload – barring any kind of ball-security issues during the game. That’s especially true with RB Zack Moss (forearm) having missed practice all week. He’s listed as questionable.

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor will test his right thumb in practice on Wednesday before determining whether he can play vs. the Falcons this weekend, according to insider Mike Chappell. Taylor is expected to wear a wrap or brace on the thumb if he does play, Chappell adds. We'll keep you updated on his status. Taylor would carry some added risk but be tough to keep out of Week 16 fantasy lineups if he plays on Sunday.

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor (thumb) was listed as a full participant on Wednesday's injury report. The team didn't actually practice, so it's an estimation. But this seemingly puts Taylor on track to return for this weekend's game vs. the Falcons. RB Zack Moss (foreman) did not practice on Wednesday. We'll update this backfield again on Thursday.

Colts RB Jonathan Taylor (thumb) is out for Saturday's game vs. the Steelers. HC Shane Steichen said earlier this week that Taylor is still expected to play again this season. We'll see if he can make it back for Week 16. Zack Moss gets another game as Indianapolis' feature back this weekend. He's racked up 32 carries and 11 targets over the last two weeks.