The Miami Dolphins haven’t been playing good football to start their 2024 season.  That is a massive understatement, actually.

As such, any small advantage while the team awaits the return of starting QB Tua Tagovailoa from injured reserve could be crucial. On Friday, Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen made an announcement that is terrific news for the Dolphins ahead of their clash on Sunday afternoon in Indianapolis.

According to Steichen, Colts RB Jonathan Taylor is out for Sunday.

Taylor is dealing with a high ankle sprain that has kept him sidelined for weeks, and it will again for at least one more week.

The Dolphins have faced Taylor once before – in 2021 – and they found out the hard way how talented the running back out of Wisconsin is.  Taylor went for 103 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries in the Colts’ 27-17 win at Hard Rock Stadium.

In his place, the Colts will be either Trey Sermon or Tyler Goodson.  Sermon is dealing with a knee that has limited his practice participation this week.  Either way, neither comes close to replicating what Taylor can do with the ball in his hands, which is a big break for Miami.

However, as Steichen also noted, QB Anthony Richardson will be back, so Miami will have to account for his ability to scramble and make plays on the ground.  Still, this is an offense whose best player lines up at running back, and not having to deal with him is a significant feather in the Dolphins’ cap.

The Dolphins and Colts kick off at 1:00 pm ET on Sunday from Lucas Oil Stadium.