Indianapolis Colts: Jonathan Taylor set up for massive workload

The Indianapolis Colts are about to lean heavily on rookie running back Jonathan Taylor.

Rookie running back Jonathan Taylor entered the 2020 season is likely time split with Marlon Mack for the Indianapolis Colts. Taylor was taken in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft to eventually replace Mack, but the veteran was still expected to have a major role on the team this season.

Unfortunately, Mack went down with an apparent Achilles injury on Sunday and the rest of his season is in doubt. Fellow running back Nyheim Hines scored two touchdowns (one receiving and one rushing) in the Colts’ 27-20 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 1, but it is Jonathan Taylor who will likely benefit the most from the injury to Mack.

Taylor is an extremely gifted running back prospect who shows an incredible combination of speed in the open field and power at the point of attack. He is a fantastic big-play threat and a tough between-the-tackles runner who can make an impact on any down.

The Indianapolis Colts featured Jonathan Taylor more through the air than on the ground on Sunday against the Jags. In that game, Taylor hauled in six receptions for 67 yards, while only piling up 22 yards on nine carries on the ground. Weird start to the career for Taylor, but that was a weird game anyway. Expect him to get going on the ground quickly and become a big-time playmaker for the Indianapolis Colts quickly.

The injury to Mack is sad and does limit the upside of the Colts’ offense this season. However, no Mack means more opportunity for the young Taylor. Hines will still figure into the offense, but he is more of a passing-game back who will do most of his damage on third downs. A majority of the carries in this offense will likely go to Taylor going forward. A gifted Taylor with a lot of carries behind a dominant offensive line means trouble for opposing NFL defenses this season.