Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor warms up before practice at Grand Park Sports Campus on July 27 in Westfield.

WESTFIELD – General manager Chris Ballard has largely refrained from making sweeping predictions during his seven years with the Indianapolis Colts.

One of his favorite phrases is, “We’ve got work to do.” It’s usually offered to temper any previous comment that even approaches the definition of hype.

So when the GM says he believes running back Jonathan Taylor is going to have a special season – and leaves it at that – educated ears perk up.

Taylor made just seven starts and 10 appearances in 2023 after beginning the season on the physically unable to perform list and going through a protracted contract squabble.

But he still finished second on the team with 741 rushing yards and scored a team-high seven rushing touchdowns while having his momentum further interrupted by a thumb injury just as he started to heat up.

Taylor reminded everyone what he’s capable of with a 188-yard performance in the season finale against the Houston Texans, and his broad smile has been a constant sight at Grand Park Sports Campus this summer.

It’s a stark contrast to the scene in training camp a year ago.

“Obviously, it was a different situation last year, and that’s behind us,” Colts head coach Shane Steichen said Sunday. “We feel grateful that he’s here, obviously, starting camp and being with the team and ready for Week 1. He’s a phenomenal player, and we’re just very fortunate to have him.”

Among the greatest benefits of Taylor’s presence on the practice field is the opportunity to build chemistry with starting quarterback Anthony Richardson.

The two played just a pair of snaps together during the regular season last year before Richardson went down with a season-ending shoulder injury, and they got no practice time together in the spring and summer as Taylor’s contract situation played out.

Now they’re causing stress for a linebacker corps led by veterans Zaire Franklin and E.J. Speed and allowing teammates to dream of infinite possibilities for the offense this fall.

“Anthony – just his combination of being able to run and all the plays he’s able to make with his arm, he puts you in a tough position,” Franklin said. “Shane puts those guys in tough positions, and every day – I was just telling E.J. – I feel like me and J.T. are playing cat and mouse. It’s like I’m just constantly trying to catch him and run him down all day. It’s like ‘Tom and Jerry.’”

Though it might feel at times as though Franklin is caught in a vintage cartoon, he relishes the daily challenge.

And he feels the ongoing battle will aid the team as a whole.

“I’m thankful to have J.T. back. He makes me so much better,” Franklin said. “I remember in ’22 just being able to compete against him every single day, from one-on-ones to team (drills) to whatever that is.

“Iron sharpens iron, and I believe he’s the best running back in the league. So, hopefully, he makes me the best.”

RICHARDSON WATCH

Sunday was an uneven practice for quarterback Anthony Richardson, who started just 2-for-5 in 11-on-11 drills and left several passes short of the intended target.

He did have big completions to wide receivers Alec Pierce and Adonai Mitchell that covered more than 20 yards in open play, but his strongest moment came at the end of the 90-minute session.

With the team practicing in the high red zone, Richardson threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. on third-and-5 after drawing the defensive line offside to gain some breathing room.

He finished 8-for-13 with the one touchdown pass overall and is 45-of-68 with four touchdowns and two interceptions through seven practices.

INJURY REPORT

Cornerback Ameer Speed returned to practice for the first time in nearly a week and took part in all drills.

Tight end Will Mallory (hamstring) and defensive end Dayo Odeyingbo (calf) did side work with athletic trainers as they continue to make their way back to the practice field.

Safety Kendell Brooks, linebacker Liam Anderson and linebacker Jaylon Carlies did not participate.

NEXT PRACTICE

Monday is “Back to School” day with practice scheduled from 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Colts City will be open from 1 to 4 p.m.

Admission is free, but tickets must be downloaded from Colts.com/camp.