The Indianapolis Colts will begin the 2023 season without Jonathan Taylor, who went on the physically unable to perform list after the team didn’t find a suitable trade.
With the star running back out for at least four games, the Colts don’t have a clear-cut replacement. Per Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star, head coach Shane Steichen said he plans to mix and match their backfield options.
“I think it’s running back-by-committee,” Steichen said. “Whoever’s got the hot hand, let ’em ride a little bit.”
Sounds like Zack Moss is close to returning. … But it’ll still be a committee at RB early for Indy https://t.co/5Zv5q47p2P
— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) September 5, 2023
The Colts currently roster three active running backs in Zack Moss, Deon Taylor, and Evan Hull.
Moss turned 78 carries into 365 yards during eight games with the Colts, who acquired him from the Buffalo Bills during the 2022 season. He assumed an elevated role when an ankle injury sidelined Taylor down the stretch.
However, the 25-year-old may not play in Week 1 as he recovers from a broken arm. Steichen said Moss is “progressing well” from the injury suffered early in training camp.
When Taylor missed two games last October, Jackson tallied 212 yards and a touchdown in back-to-back victories. He also collected 110 yards in a Week 18 loss to the Houston Texans.
Hull, a fifth-round rookie from Northwestern, registered 53 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries during the preseason.
As the Taylor drama pauses, the Colts open the season Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson will make his NFL debut in an AFC South showdown starting at 1 p.m. ET.