Despite losing Mack, Colts need to keep running the ball

With Marlon Mack out for an extended period of time with a broken hand, it will be Jordan Wilkins and Jonathan Williams who get the opportunity. They need to take advantage.

Mack has been very effective all season long running the ball. He had 109 yards and a touchdown before he broke his hand against the Jaguars. But that broken hand will sideline him for awhile. Two backups need to step up in his stead.

Those guys are Jordan Wilkins and Jonathan Williams. Williams got the first meaningful carries of his career on Sunday when Mack went out. He ended up running for 116 yards on 13 carries. If he has another day like that on Thursday, the Colts will easily win.

Wilkins is still a little questionable to play on Thursday. He has had an ankle injury that has kept him out of the last couple of games. When he’s been in there, he has been effective at time. He just doesn’t have the burst that Mack does, nor is he as elusive.

Nyheim Hines could see more carries too. Hines actually scored a rushing touchdown on Sunday, which is a rarity for him. Normally he’s only out on the field for passing situations. His workload might increase with Mack going down. Anyone who can step up will need to on Thursday.

No matter who steps in for Mack, the Colts have to stay committed to the running game. It will be interesting to see who gets the majority of the carries, but the offensive line needs to block well for whoever is back there.