The Indianapolis Coltsare facing criticism for how they handled Jonathan Taylor as trade speculation swirls around the star running back.
It was ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell who questioned Indianapolis' decision to play Taylor in Sunday's 42-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
In his Nov. 2 analysis of Week 8, Barnwell argued that the Colts should have kept Taylor out of the matchup rather than risk an injury that could jeopardize a potential trade.
The take comes after Indianapolis traded longtime standouts Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner last week, which signaled a legitimate shift in the organization's direction.
Taylor has emerged as one of the NFL's most prominent trade candidates, with multiple teams reportedly interested in acquiring the three-time
Pro Bowl running back.
Even so, Indianapolis used Taylor against Jacksonville.
The veteran carried the ball eight times for 23 yards and added four receptions for 24 yards as the Colts fell to 2-6.
Taylor played 38 of the team's 61 offensive snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, as previously noted by Colts Wire.
Nevertheless, head coach Shane Steichen explained after the game that Taylor's reduced workload was a result of the lopsided score instead of trade considerations.
"It wasn't like we had a number on his carries," Steichen said. "I know he had less carries than normal, but it wasn't anything to do with anything except how the game went."
With one more game left before the trade deadline, Barnwell's disapproval raises thoughts about how Indianapolis should handle Taylor while his future hangs in the balance.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: ESPN analyst questions Colts' decision on Jonathan Taylor
