Jonathan Taylor Plans To Play vs. Broncos But Status Remains Undecided; Phillip Lindsay Could Be In Colts’ Plans; Frank Reich Offers Shaquille Leonard Update

The Colts are still evaluating the status of running back Jonathan Taylor’s ankle ahead of Thursday night’s Week 5 game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Here’s what we heard and learned on Tuesday:

• “I definitely do plan to play,” Taylor said. “But if you can’t go, you can’t go. So that’s why you gotta get as much treatment as you can.”
• Taylor is doing everything his power to get his ankle, which was injured on Sunday against the Tennessee Titans, to a spot where he can play Thursday in Denver. “Definitely want to use as much time as I can to get treatment and get feeling as well as possible before you try to make any decisions,” Taylor said. “That’s really critical, especially on a short week — on a normal week, you kind of got a lot of time. So just trying to push as much treatment as I can to see how far I get feeling well before we have to take off.”
• “We got a plan if he does play,” head coach Frank Reich said. “We’ll be ready for that, obviously, hope he can play. But still no status yet.”
• Reich said he didn’t think Taylor’s ankle could be injured further if he were to play on it. “From what I understand, from the discussions I’ve had with the doctors and our trainers, that’s not a concern at this point,” Reich said.
• When asked if his status for Week 5 might come down to the last minute – inactive players are due 90 minutes prior to kickoff – Taylor intimated that might be the case.
• The Colts will release a final practice report on Wednesday with game designations (questionable/doubtful/out).

If Taylor is not able to play, the Colts have a plan, too – which may include veteran running back and former Denver Broncos Pro Bowler Phillip Lindsay.

• Lindsay will merit “strong consideration,” Reich said, to be elevated to the active roster from the practice squad.
• As a rookie in 2018, Lindsay rushed for 1,037 yards and nine touchdowns while earning a spot in the Pro Bowl with the Broncos. Notably, the Broncos’ offensive line (tackles) coach…