INDIANAPOLIS – Has Marlon Mack taken his last snap with the Indianapolis Colts?
Those conversations are still months away from being finalized, but no one thought that question would be fair following the 2020 season opener.
Unfortunately, such a thought is possible with Mack (who is a free agent in 2021) suffering a potential season-ending Achilles injury in the first half of a Week 1 loss to the Jaguars.
NFL Network’s Tom Peliserro reported that the Colts fear Mack has suffered a torn Achilles, which would end his 2020 season.
Mid-way through Sunday’s second quarter, Mack planted up the middle of the field after catching a pass from Philip Rivers. As Mack was getting tackled, he immediately reached for the lower part of his right leg. He eventually hobbled off, with the Colts originally announcing Mack’s absence due to an ‘ankle’ injury.
But Frank Reich confirmed after Sunday’s loss that it was indeed an Achilles injury for Mack, with the fourth year running back heading for an MRI on Monday.
While the Colts have one of the deeper running back groups, any loss of Mack would be significant, and thrust Jonathan Taylor into No. 1 back duty, and the need to stay healthy in 2020.
Taylor finished his NFL Debut with 9 carries for 22 yards and 6 catches for 67 yards. Nyheim Hines had 7 carries for 28 yards and 8 catches for 45 yards. Jordan Wilkins dressed on Sunday but only played on special teams. The Colts have a running back in Darius Anderson on the practice squad.
The Colts are just 1-7 in games that Mack has missed. Mack, 24, is playing in a contract year this season.
