INDIANAPOLIS — Death. Taxes. And Quenton Nelson.

Star running back Jonathan Taylor suggested Thursday the Indianapolis Colts’ All-Pro left guard is one of life’s inevitabilities.

A legion of NFL defenders likely would nod in resigned agreement.

“Any time backs come in, I always tell them, ‘Listen, when in doubt, you know 5-6 (Nelson’s jersey number) will take you to the light,’ ” Taylor said. “But what he does is (a result of) preparation throughout the week, what he does in the offseason, his routine in season. He’s a true professional, and it shows week in, week out and year after year. So I’m just thankful, and I’m glad that I’m on a team with him.”

Nelson played a pivotal role in Sunday’s 38-30 victory against the Tennessee Titans, helping to usher the way for Taylor to gain 218 rushing yards and three rushing touchdowns.

The Colts gained a single-season franchise record 335 total yards on the ground, and Nelson shook off a fourth-quarter ankle injury to return even while many on the sideline suggested he should rest with the game apparently in hand.

Nelson again put together a highlight reel of dominant blocks, none more impressive than his effort on quarterback Anthony Richardson’s 5-yard touchdown run in the second quarter.

After pulling from his position, Nelson quickly got to the second level in front of Richardson and drove his defender through the back of the end zone. The quarterback essentially jogged into the end zone behind Nelson, untouched and unbothered.

“It makes it easier for me,” Richardson said. “I get to see 56 running around. I just get to follow up behind him and let him do his dirty work, and I just follow up and get the touchdown. I get all the credit, but, no, he does all the dirty work for us. So we appreciate that for sure.”

Nelson emphatically threw his arms up in celebration as Richardson crossed the goal line. That’s also in character for the hulking lineman.

He’s almost always the first player to pick up a ball carrier after a run – no matter the distance from the line of scrimmage – and Richardson said Nelson often is happier than the player who scored each time Indianapolis finds the end zone.

It’s a mentality Nelson said was installed by former Notre Dame offensive line coach Harry Hiestand, and his joy is the product of a total team effort.

“There’s 11 guys doing their job for the common goal of scoring a touchdown and trying to win the game,” Nelson said. “Seeing it come to fruition after all the hard work we put in during the week is awesome.”

Guard is far from a glamour position, and it’s not among the most highly valued roles in the NFL.

Very few players at the position become stars.

But Nelson is on another level.

When he was drafted with the sixth overall pick in 2018 after a sterling career for the Fighting Irish, Colts owner Jim Irsay immediately made Hall of Fame comparisons.

Nelson has lived up to the high expectations with three first-team All-Pro nods and six Pro Bowl appearances in his first six seasons.

He’s one of the most recognizable names on Indianapolis’ roster and a fan favorite.

But, despite outside appearances, Nelson’s success was not inevitable.

His unmatched drive and work ethic have allowed him to reach the game’s elite levels.

“I think his competitive nature that he brings every single day, his toughness, his attitude, his love for the game, and he plays that way,” Colts head coach Shane Steichen said of what sets Nelson apart. “I mean, he shows up for his guys every single day and does it the right way and plays for the guy next to him every single time.

“He’s got that relentless determination that you want up front. Just a hell of a leader for us. And obviously, when we need a big play, too, a lot of the times he’s our lead blocker in those situations.”

INJURY REPORT

Tight end Mo Alie-Cox (toe), Richardson (back, foot) and linebacker E.J. Speed (knee) did not practice Thursday.

Indianapolis reportedly is optimistic Richardson will be able to play Sunday against the New York Giants.

Linebacker Jaylon Carlies (shoulder) and Nelson (ankle) were limited.

Cornerback JuJu Brents (knee), cornerback Jaylon Jones (throat), wide receiver Alec Pierce (concussion) and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. (back) were full participants.

Safety Raheem Lane (knee), linebacker Micah McFadden (neck), wide receiver Malik Nabers (toe), center John Michael Schmitz (ankle), cornerback Greg Stroman (shoulder, shin), running back Tyrone Tracy (ankle) and wide receiver Dee Williams (toe) did not practice for the Giants.

Defensive tackle Cory Durden (shoulder), offensive tackle Jermaine Eluemunor (wrist), quarterback Drew Lock (right shoulder) and offensive guard Greg Van Roten (knee) were limited.