INDIANAPOLIS – There’s a hope emanating from the Indianapolis Colts that Anthony Richardson’s return as the starting quarterback can somehow provide a spark for a struggling offense.

If that is to be the case on the road Sunday against the New York Jets, it’s likely to begin with the resurgent running game.

Star running back Jonathan Taylor has been by far the team’s most consistent weapon. He’s rushed for at least 100 yards in four of the seven games he’s played in this season, and – despite a three-game absence because of a high-ankle sprain – he’s on pace for his best season since winning the NFL rushing title in 2021.

Count Taylor among those excited to see the backfield reunion with the dual-threat quarterback.

“He brings a unique skill set,” Taylor said Thursday at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. “So then that puts the defenses in a bind. They have to pick their poison. They have to figure out ‘how do we want to defend this play, this scheme, this formation that they’re in?’

“So it’s a whole different dynamic that gets added when he’s in the game, and that’s what makes him special. And that’s what makes it so tough for defenses.”

The numbers bear out Taylor’s observations.

He’s averaged 4.4 yards on 49 rushing attempts this season with veteran Joe Flacco as the quarterback and 5.1 yards on 77 attempts with Richardson under center.

Indianapolis’ first 100-yard rushing game in Flacco’s four starts came in last week’s loss against the Buffalo Bills when Taylor gained 114 yards.

The Colts have rushed for at least 100 yards in each of Richardson’s six starts, including a season-high 163 yards in a loss against the Houston Texans on Oct. 27.

Richardson’s last two starts produced the team’s two highest rushing totals of the season, with Indianapolis putting up 155 yards in a win against the Miami Dolphins on Oct. 20.

That game was notable because Taylor didn’t play, and Richardson was the team’s leading rusher with 56 yards on 14 carries.

Tyler Goodson (51), Trey Sermon (36) and wide receiver Ashton Dulin (12) combined for 99 yards — which alone would have tied for the second-best rushing game under Flacco.

Running the ball well doesn’t guarantee wins. The Colts are just 3-4 this season when they break the century barrier.

But it can help to add stability to an offense that far too often has been a boom or bust proposition.

And Taylor said Richardson’s contribution is real.

The 22-year-old quarterback is second on the team with 242 yards on 41 carries. Taylor has 616 yards on 126 attempts.

“You always have to account for him (as a defender),” Taylor said. “Even if he takes a step left, a step right, there better be somebody there accounting for him. Otherwise, they’re gonna pay. But I’m excited to see the plays that he makes.

“… Each and every week he’s out there, there’s always a few plays that you’re like, ‘Man, I don’t know too many other people that can do that.’ So that’s what makes him special.”

INJURY REPORT

Defensive end DeForest Buckner (foot) returned to full practice Thursday, joining safety Julian Blackmon (shoulder) and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back).

Linebacker E.J. Speed (knee) again was limited, and left tackle Bernhard Raimann (knee) missed his second straight practice — raising concerns for his availability at New York.

Wide receiver Davante Adams (wrist/illness), offensive guard Jake Hanson (hamstring), linebacker C.J. Mosley (neck) and offensive tackle Tyron Smith (neck) did not practice for the second straight day for the Jets.

Cornerback Brandin Echols (concussion) and defensive tackle Solomon Thomas (knee) were upgraded to limited participation, joining cornerback Michael Carter (back), offensive tackle Morgan Moses (knee), cornerback D.J. Reed (hip), linebacker Chazz Surratt (heel) and offensive guard Alijah Vera-Tucker (ankle).

Safety Chuck Clark (ankle) and quarterback Aaron Rodgers (hamstring/knee) were full participants for the second straight day.