The Indianapolis Colts are expected to return from summer break on July 28 for training camp so we will be taking a look at each position group before the entire team reports.
The Colts had a strong run game during the 2019 season running behind arguably the best run-blocking offensive line in the NFL. Marlon Mack took a career-high 247 carries for 1,091 rushing yards—also a career-high.
Taking a mostly one-back approach, the Colts finished with the seventh-most rushing yards in the NFL. However, that approach is going to look much different in 2020.
Expected Depth Chart
| RB1 | RB2 | RB3 | RB4 |
| Jonathan Taylor | Marlon Mack | Nyheim Hines | Jordan Wilkins |
Player To Watch
Despite Mack being a productive starter over the last two seasons, the Colts felt the opportunity to draft Taylor in the second round was too good to pass up. Taylor brings an insane pedigree of college production and elite athleticism to the backfield. He and Mack likely split carries to begin the season, but Taylor’s talent might be too much for the Colts to keep him off the field when the second half gets underway.
Storylines To Watch
Split between Mack and Taylor
This will be the emphasis throughout training camp. Does Mack get the benefit of the doubt as the incumbent starter or does Taylor’s talent propel him into the starting role as the lead back in a 1-2 punch? Both players can lead a backfield, and it’s certainly possible Frank Reich takes a hot-hand approach.
We don’t know enough yet to truly make a prediction, but it is likely the duo will split early-down work to begin the season.
Can Hines take a step forward?
A lot of the talk this offseason has been about what Philip Rivers does for the running backs in the passing game. The veteran quarterback has a long history of targeting the backfield. Hines has been talked up the entire offseason as the main pass catcher in the room, which could lead to the N.C. State product enjoying a nice bump in production.
Hines has held target shares of 12.6% (2018) and 11.3% (2019) during his first two seasons. If he’s seeing a majority of the passing work out of the backfield, it stands to reason he sees a nice bump in targets as well.
2020 Outlook
Regardless of who is getting the majority of work in the backfield, this is one of the deepest positions groups on the Colts roster. With Taylor and Mack leading the charge on early downs, Hines working as the pass-catcher and Wilkins providing depth, the Colts running back room should continue being one of the best units in football.