Since the Colts put Jonathan Taylor on the physically unable to perform list Tuesday, Indianapolis general manager Chris Ballard was asked how this ongoing situation with their star running back will affect the team dynamic.
Specifically, people are wondering if Taylor’s situation will hinder rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson’s growth at all. Ballard gave quite the interesting answer—to say the least—to that question, and fans aren’t too happy with the response.
“Look, when you don’t have a great player... but, I don’t think it stunts his growth. No, not at all,” Ballard said on Wednesday. “I don’t know, did it stunt Andrew [Luck’s] growth without a special back?”
#Colts GM Chris Ballard says he doesn't think Jonathan Taylor's situation will hinder Anthony Richardson's growth.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) August 30, 2023
"Did it stunt Andrew Luck's growth without a special back?"pic.twitter.com/rHksHLLTom
Fans generally were not happy with this answer since Luck, a former Colts quarterback and No. 1 pick, saw his career come to an end at the age of 29 after just six active seasons because of various injuries he suffered during his time in the NFL.
The social media reaction to Ballard’s comment seemed to be rather critical of the Colts for how they handled Luck’s situation. Here’s some of the reaction.
My brother in Christ you shouldn’t even think this, much less say it. https://t.co/dbdD8FrsMx
— Anand Nanduri (@NanduriNFL) August 30, 2023
I'd say yall sitting back and watching Luck take beatings like this every Sunday stunted his growth. https://t.co/f8dXqx8tic pic.twitter.com/aMQ51qJJ1N
— FOLLOW: @TSV__1 (@TSV__1) August 30, 2023
No, but do you know what did? https://t.co/2cVXz526PK
— Sam Neumann (@Sam_Neumann_) August 30, 2023
not sure this is the best example lol https://t.co/aTSa4J6nkj
— #1 steak collector in starfield fan (@philatticus) August 30, 2023
No but it ended his career a lot earlier https://t.co/DSHjSWXL3w
— NBA Slime (@TerryFranconia) August 30, 2023
To answer Ballard's question: No, but a bad offensive line sure stunted his career length! https://t.co/LJUKVsF0qa
— Tyler Greenawalt (@TyGreen14) August 30, 2023
richardson needs reps. richardson probably isn't ready to play. if you're gonna play him, it should probably be run-heavy while he gets up to speed.
— bomani (@bomani_jones) August 30, 2023
but yeah, what good would taylor do him, right? https://t.co/DnsmQCiaQv
You guys almost killed poor Andrew with his lack of supporting cast https://t.co/MPqI4Mnumc
— Training Camp Chopz (@Pchopz_) August 30, 2023
Anybody know how Andrew Luck’s career turned out special back aside? https://t.co/7pWhdpFOXC
— Chris Williamson (@CWilliamson44) August 30, 2023
Did it stunt his growth? No.
— Marc Dykton (@MarcD1075) August 30, 2023
Did it likely help contribute to him retiring early? Yes. https://t.co/tCCDeK0bmL
