Nothing is going right, it seems, for the Colts. As a result, one of the few bright spots on the team is likely out for the season.
Colts Without Critical Piece To Production
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport shared today that running back Jonathan Taylor has a high-ankle sprain. The injury was sustained during the Colts’ 39-36 overtime loss to the Vikings. Taylor is reportedly still meeting with medical personnel, but it’s doubtful he will play again this season.
Given the state of the team and without a shot at an AFC South title, it would be wise for the Colts to shut Taylor down for the season. Taylor has battled multiple ankle injuries and would benefit from time off. His production, albeit a byproduct of a highly underwhelming offense, is far from his 2021 campaign. Taylor likely ends his season with 192 attempts for 861 yards and four touchdowns.
Who Will The Colts Turn To Now?
Without Nyheim Hines, the Colts will turn to Deon Jackson and Zack Moss (who the team received in the trade for Hines) to fill their running back needs. Jackson is an explosive runner who has shown he can get the job done. Earlier this season, he filled in nicely in the team’s matchup against the Broncos with both Hines and Taylor out with injuries. He had some incredibly tough runs against a stout defense. Then, Jackson followed up that performance with an eye-catching showing against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week Six.
On the other hand, Zack Moss is a bit of an enigma. He wasn’t utilized very much in Buffalo. And, up until this past week, he wasn’t used much by the Colts. Moss had 24 attempts for 81 yards against the Vikings. At this juncture, it’s hard to tell what the team will get with Moss, and conservative play-calling didn’t help Moss’s case. So, fans should keep high expectations at bay until the team shows more with Moss.
Conclusion
Parks Frazier will have his work cut out without Taylor at the helm. But the bright side is that Deon Jackson has shown he’s capable. Frazier should lean on Jackson and play to his strengths. The team only has three more games left, so there won’t be a large sample, but it should get the evaluators on the team something to think about for next season.
