"This is not normal": Jonathan Taylor gives Tyler Warren a reality check amid Colts’ 7-1 surge

The Indianapolis Colts have emerged as one of the contenders this season, holding the best record in the league heading into their Week 9 clash against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

One of the stars for the Colts during their 7-1 start has been rookie tight end Tyler Warren. While the first round pick from this year's NFL draft has had it smooth sailing with Indianapolis so far, Colts teammate Jonathan Taylor gave him a reality check.

Taylor, a two-time Pro Bowler who has been an integral part of the franchise over the last few seasons, told Warren not to take things for granted and to continue the grind.

"That's definitely something that we spoke about," Taylor said. "Because, like I mentioned, my rookie year, we won 11 games. So, especially a guy like Tyler came from a big-time school when he won a bunch of games, so he's like, 'oh, just like, before.' I'm like, 'listen, but the things that's going on, this is not normal, like, these are not normal NFL games.'

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"But I also told them that we made it that way, 'so don't lose sight of the work that you put in. It's not that they're just always supposed to be close. They're supposed to be these grinders. Doesn't have to be that way. But pay attention to how we work, and this is what it takes to win.'"

Warren, who was selected with the 14th pick in the 2025 NFL draft, finished his final season with Penn State by winning the prestigious John Mackey Award. He has made six starts for the Colts, racking up 439 yards on 33 receptions and three touchdowns.

Colts rookie Tyler Warren could exploit Steelers' weakness in Week 9 clash

Tyler Warren has three touchdowns in his four games and the rookie could add to his tally when the Colts face off against the Steelers on Sunday. Pittsburgh has allowed the third-most receiving yards to tight ends this season, along with the second-most TD catches.

In the Steelers' Week 8 game against the Green Bay Packers, Tucker Kraft made seven catches for 143 yards with two touchdowns. If Warren maintains his usual high standards, which has seen him being mentioned in Offensive Rookie of the Year conversations, against the Steelers, he could rack up his first 100-yard game of his career on Sunday.

Edited by Chaitanya Prakash