Colts Give Status Update on Starting Running Back vs. Jaguars
The Indianapolis Colts reported that veteran, and current starting running back Zack Moss, is likely to miss Sunday’s game due to a lingering injury suffered in training camp.
Moss was recovering from a broken forearm sustained during camp. However, even though he was making progress, the Colts feel he’s not quite there to put him behind Anthony Richardson against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Moss was thought to be the most qualified back on the roster (outside of Jonathan Taylor) to take the reigns in the backfield.
The Colts will roll out with the combo of rookie Evan Hull and veteran Deon Jackson as the running backs. Indy also elevated fellow running back Jake Funk to the active roster to help provide depth and more of a true running back by committee approach. Wide receiver Juwann Winfree was also elevated to the active roster for Sunday's macthup with the Jaguars.
Despite the news that Moss will probably miss the game, the Colts will still have to figure out how to run the ball effectively. While Richardson has his level of mobility and athleticism, Jackson and Hull will be counted on to take pressure off of the rookie QB to do everything.
Look for both running backs to get their share of carries, but also catches. Hull and Jackson are solid out of the backfield as receivers. The tandem could be leaned on in the short pass/screen game to give Richardson confidence-building completions, helping him adjust to his first NFL game.
Now that Moss is likely out, which of the backs will step up? Will Richardson mesh better with one RB over another? Will the offense struggle without a lead horse? Or, will Richardson and Shane Steichen be able to make it work with the current running back committee as the Colts start their 2023 season? We’ll see how it unfolds.
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