Taylor out for season, hopes to return to Jaguars

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(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-12-12 09:03

JACKSONVILLE, Florida - Star running back Fred Taylor may have played his last game for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Taylor was placed on injured reserve on Thursday because of a thumb injury, ending his NFL season with three games left and prompting questions about his future with the team.

He tore ligaments in his left thumb against Chicago last Sunday, and team doctors suggested season-ending surgery, but Taylor wanted to try to play the final three games with a brace. But it was difficult to find something that was comfortable and didn't risk further damage, and he decided against trying to play on. He was still awaiting word on whether he needed surgery.

Two weeks ago, Taylor, a first-round pick in 1998 who has played his entire career in Jacksonville, said it was clear the team was headed in another direction because of his reduced role and increased salary. The 32-year-old back is scheduled to make $6 million (4.5 million euros) next season, which seems too high for a small-market team to pay a part-time player.

Fred Taylor gestures in this file photo. [Agencies]

Taylor suggested this week he would be open to returning to Jacksonville at a reduced rate.

"I never really wanted to be away from here to begin with," he said. "I just said I'm going to play football whether it's here or not. ... I'm not going to go, but there's a business side of it. I don't want to go is what I'm saying. It is my plea."

Taylor is 16th on the NFL's all-time rushing list with 11,271 yards, 81 behind John Riggins. He had 556 yards on the ground this season, splitting time with Maurice Jones-Drew, and averaged a career-low 3.9 yards a carry behind an injury-riddled offensive line.

Although Taylor acknowledges he has lost a step, he still believes _ and coach Jack Del Rio agrees _ he can have an impact in a league filled with rising stars and much younger players.

Taylor said he countered that by being better prepared, whether it's monitoring field conditions or scouting linebackers for tendencies and weaknesses.