Colts Jonathan Taylor is among the most productive RBs through Week 4

Jonathan Taylor of the Indianapolis Colts has been one of the most productive running backs in four games this season.

In terms of total rushing yards, Taylor totaled 349 yards in Week 4, which is the fifth-most of any back at this point in the season. That included back-to-back 100-yard performances against Green Bay and Chicago.

Taylor has four touchdowns on the ground and is averaging 4.8 yards per rush, showcasing the big-play ability we've come to expect from him. Taylor's 11 runs of 10 or more yards are the second most among running backs. His seven runs of at least 15 yards are the most.

The overall success of the Colts offense starts with Taylor and the running game. The ability to move the ball on the ground creates short down-and-distance situations on offense, which can open up opportunities in the passing game.

Conversely, difficulties – or a lack of options – on the ground can cause the offense to find itself in predictable passing situations, putting additional strain on the Colts' passing game, which has been largely up-and-down.

After a total of 28 rush attempts in the first two games, there has been an additional effort to get Taylor's touches in the last two weeks, carrying the ball 44 times against Chicago and Pittsburgh.

Unfortunately, Taylor was forced to exit Sunday's game against the Steelers due to a reported severe ankle sprain. Head coach Shane Steichen said the team would not place Taylor on injured reserve, but his status for this week's game against Jacksonville is unknown.

For more on Taylor's injury, click here for an update from Ian Rapoport.