Leading up to the 2020 campaign, all reports suggested that rookie Jonathan Taylor was going to take a backseat to proven starter Marlon Mack in the Indianapolis Colts’ rushing attack, at least for the season’s first few weeks.
Things don’t always go according to plan.
Mack went down with what was ultimately diagnosed as a torn Achilles after he limped off the field in Week 1, thrusting Taylor into a workhorse role much earlier than he anticipated.
The early signs indicated that the Colts’ plan to role with Mack as the lead back was the correct one, as Taylor really struggled to find holes over the first half of the season before he eventually turned the corner and proved that he’s the team’s running back of the future.
However, almost every team has two capable RBs on the roster in today’s NFL, which makes you wonder if the Colts will consider re-signing Mack, whose contract has expired.
If the latest update on his recovery was any indication, they should absolutely consider doing so.
Per ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, Mack is right on schedule (or maybe a little ahead) with his recovery and plans to be fully healthy by the start of training camp in a few months.
Free agent RB Marlon Mack, who rushed for 1,999 yards and 17 touchdowns over two seasons with #Colts before an Achilles tear Sept. 13, is progressing well in his rehab and plans to be a full go for training camp somewhere, per source. He will test free agency.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) March 12, 2021
Should the Colts consider a reunion with RB Marlon Mack?
We understand that the Colts aren’t crying out for running back depth, as versatile pass catcher Nyheim Hines has one year remaining on his current deal. Though the former fourth-round pick is coming off a career year as a runner, he only totaled 380 yards on 4.3 yards per attempt.
Those numbers are clearly nothing to sniff at, but we have no doubts that Mack would offer significantly more as Taylor’s primary backup. Even Hines’ most bullish fans would admit he’d be better served utilized as a receiver out of the backfield.
After all, Mack has been pretty efficient over his career, compiling 1,999 yards and 17 touchdowns on 4.5 yards per carry in two seasons as the starting running back. You have to think his injury will have negative consequences on his market, and that could open the door for Indianapolis to bring him back at a serious bargain.
Report: Marlon Mack expected to be ready for training camp https://t.co/iSHgjqobwN
— TheColtsWire (@TheColtsWire) March 13, 2021
Signing a backup RB is obviously near the bottom of the priority pecking order for the Colts this offseason, but we’d have no qualms with them re-signing Mack at the right price.
As evidenced by him sticking around the team following surgery and being a prominent voice in weekly running back meetings, the 25-year-old cares deeply about Indy. Taking that into account, how could anybody possibly be against a reunion?
Not only would it give the Colts insurance in their backfield, but it would afford Taylor the opportunity to continue soaking up knowledge from Mack as he looks to build upon a record-setting rookie campaign. We’d really like to see that three-headed backfield rotation we were promised in action.
Marlon Mack’s contributions to Colts following injury could convince team to re-sign him
Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack's contributions following his season-ending injury should convince the team to re-sign him.