Colts activate Jonathan Taylor from Covid-19 IR for Week 13

Wednesday update: The Colts announced Jonathan Taylor has been activated off the Covid-19 injured reserve list for Week 13.

Monday update: Taylor has not tested positive for Covid-19 and can return as early as this week, per Mike Chappell.

UPDATE: Taylor was placed on the Covid-19 IR list because his girlfriend tested positive and that makes him a high-risk close contact. He has been quarantining and has not yet tested positive. If he continues to test negative, he could come off as soon as five days from now and be available for Week 13.

The Indianapolis Colts have placed running back Jonathan Taylor on the Covid-19 injured reserve list 24 hours before their Week 12 matchup with the Tennessee Titans. It’s not clear yet if he tested positive for the virus or was a high-risk close contact, but either way he will not be playing on Sunday. If he tested positive, he would also miss Week 13 against the Houston Texans due to a minimum ten-day absence.

This move likely means Nyheim Hines will get the start in his place. Jordan Wilkins would see a significant bump in work as well. Wilkins saw a bump in work in Week 8, rushing 20 times for 89 yards and a score. He had 11 carries the next week, then eight and then four the following two weeks.

Hines is more of a pass-catcher than rusher, but likely would see close to if not more than 10 carries on Sunday. He’s a strong PPR start and a solid standard start. Wilkins isn’t a great start in shallower leagues, but has standard league upside if the Colts lean on him a little more in the ground game.