Jonathan Taylor’s relationship with the Colts appeared to already be frayed with the Colts earlier than proprietor Jim Irsay tweeted his ideas concerning the NFL’s operating again market. Now, It seems that Jonathan Taylor’s time with the Colts will quickly be coming to an finish.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday that the Colts had given Taylor permission to hunt a commerce amid an ongoing saga, with Taylor turning into the face of NFL entrance places of work’ contentious relationships with operating backs.
That places the Colts in a precarious place at operating again. If Taylor is not current, the Colts have solely a few skilled choices behind him. Kenyan Drake is the largest title whereas rookie fifth-round choose Evan Hull seems to be one other frontrunner to get touches within the backfield. Deon Jackson, Jake Funk, and Jason Huntley may also be jockeying for spots within the pecking order.
Along with Taylor’s ongoing scenario, Zack Moss is out in the intervening time with a damaged arm, additional exacerbating the dearth of depth on the place for Indianapolis.
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Here is a have a look at what the Colts’ operating again depth chart will appear to be in the event that they do, in actual fact, commerce Taylor.
Colts RB depth chart
1. Jonathan Taylor
Taylor is among the NFL’s finest operating backs. He has the second-most rush yards within the NFL over the previous two seasons at 2,672, trailing solely Nick Chubb in Cleveland. He is additionally tied for the fourth-most touchdowns in that very same span at 22. His consistency is his calling card. At 24 years previous, the Wisconsin product has a variety of tread on his tires, and there isn’t any motive to suppose his manufacturing will drop off.
The Colts will surely prefer to have Taylor function their starter, however it seems that ship could have sailed. And if they’re pressured to commerce Taylor, they do not have a lot depth behind him.
2. Kenyan Drake
Enjoying on his fourth workforce in 4 years, Drake might need an opportunity to depart a mark in Indianapolis. The Alabama product performed in Baltimore final season, getting 93 carries for 442 yards. The Colts could also be heartened by his 4.5 yards per carry, however there’s additionally no denying the Ravens play in an offense tailored to assist YPC.
Drake is a couple of years faraway from his 239-carry, 955-yard season in Arizona. However with a depleted depth chart and Taylor’s future trying blurry, the veteran may get an actual probability to thrive alongside Anthony Richardson.
MORE: Jonathan Taylor’s agent responds to Jim Irsay’s ‘unhealthy religion’ feedback
3. Evan Hull
A Northwestern product, Evan Hull was drafted within the fifth spherical of the 2023 NFL Draft at No. 176 total.
Hull dazzled with the Wildcats, choosing up 5 YPC and enhancing his receiving out of the backfield over the previous two years. Nonetheless, he hasn’t been particularly spectacular within the preseason. Rookie operating backs getting enjoying time is nothing new, however they should earn it when sufficient names are within the secure.
4. Deon Jackson
Deon Jackson enters his third 12 months with the Colts, having seen an elevated workload in his second 12 months.
Jackson was unimpressive in his begin within the second sport of the preseason as nicely, however he was working with the Colts’ backup offensive line. Jackson is arguably the most probably title on the Colts depth chat to make an surprising influence, however it’ll have to select up shortly.
5. Jake Funk
Now we get into among the longshot names to make an influence.
Funk was signed to the Colts follow squad in November 2022. Up to now within the preseason, he has 12 carries for 31 yards and two touchdowns. He could find yourself being a short-yardage specialist for the Colts if they honestly need to go by committee.
6. Jason Huntley
Jason Huntley has spent his final two seasons with the Eagles, getting 13 carries for 51 yards final 12 months.
He was signed by the Colts on Aug. 9, and acquired a heavy workload towards the Bears. He took eight carries for 19 yards.
