Indianapolis Colts general manager Chris Ballard took the podium Wednesday for the first time since the end of April, and of course, most of the questions surrounded the Jonathan Taylor situation.
Ballard didn’t touch much on anything else, which makes sense because it has been the dominating storyline following the team since they arrived for training camp.
Buy Colts TicketsHere’s a quick recap of everything Ballard touched on during his Wednesday press conference:
Chris Ballard's first statement
Chris Ballard: "We've got work to do, unequivocally."
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) August 30, 2023
The Jonathan Taylor situation
Colts GM Chris Ballard on Jonathan Taylor: "Jonathan is well respected and a good human being and damn good football player. These things happen.
"I care deeply about Jonathan Taylor."
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) August 30, 2023
Not quitting on Jonathan Taylor
"I won't quit on the young man, I won't do it"
Ballard speaking on #Colts RB Jonathan Taylor
— Destin Adams (@TheDestinAdams) August 30, 2023
Confirms they allowed Taylor to seek a trade
Chris Ballard confirms that the Colts granted Jonathan Taylor permission to seek a trade.
He said he wasn't going to let him just walk out of the building because they still value what he can bring.
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) August 30, 2023
The ankle is still injured
JT still having pain in the ankle from last year's injury. https://t.co/Wlbh8r4phE
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) August 30, 2023
Doesn't believe JT is holding in
Ballard says he doesn't think JT is "holding in":
Why is Ballard's past precedent not being followed with JT + extension:
"Coming off last season, you won 4 games, brand new coaching staff…every situation is different.”
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) August 30, 2023
Wish they would have gone about it differently
JT still part of future plans
JT part of Colts future? 'I sure hope so. That would be the plan.'
Don't want to give the impression we don't want Jonathan. https://t.co/osiUp33dCC— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) August 30, 2023
Doesn't want to make empty promises
Chris Ballard said JT and his camp asked if the #Colts would use the franchise tag.
"It's a tool, yes." Ballard responded.
"You don't want to make false promises that you can't keep. I know it looks not the best right now, but I know I've never lied to him [JT]." @WTHRcom
— Dominic Miranda (@DomMirandaTV) August 30, 2023
Said he never lied to Taylor
Ballard notes he's never lied to Taylor during the process, and he's careful not to make promises he can't keep. #Colts
— George Bremer (@gmbremer) August 30, 2023
Zack Moss expected back soon
Ballard says they are working through whether or not to bring in a veteran RB.
Expects Zach Moss back soon.
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) August 30, 2023
JT storyline has overshadowed positive developments
Chris Ballard on the Jonathan Taylor headlines:
"It's overshadowed some of the really good things that have gone on."
He brought up Anthony Richardson, Bernhard Raimann and the young cornerbacks, all of whom aren't getting enough credit because of the cloud overhead.
— Nate Atkins (@NateAtkins_) August 30, 2023
High prase for Jaylon Jones
Chris Ballard on rookie Jaylon Jones:
"I had my doubts but our scout Anthony (Coughlan) fought like hell for him. Jones is going to be a damn good player in this league and we are excited about him."
Yes, yes, and yes. He's really good
— Zach Hicks (@ZachHicks2) August 30, 2023
Sees upside with the roster
#Colts GM Chris Ballard on the roster, which he said is still fluid: "I don't think it's a bleak as the world is making it out to be."
— James Boyd (@RomeovilleKid) August 30, 2023
Why only three active WRs?
Ballard's answer on the lack of WRs was that the Colts are going through roster mechanics.
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) August 30, 2023
