The trade deadline came and went. Many would argue it was among the most boring in recent memory. Von Miller heading to Los Angeles in the Rams-Broncos deal the day prior was the only transaction of note.
As for the Indianapolis Colts, a team that could’ve easily sold off depreciating assets or upgraded their roster in an attempt to give other players a chance or truly challenge for a playoff spot, they did nothing.
Care to tell us why, general manager Chris Ballard? The front office really believed zero moves was the answer after what the fans were put through after eight weeks?
More puzzling, however, is Marlon Mack’s presence on the roster after Tuesday at 4 p.m. ET. The veteran running back requested a trade back in late September and there was a “mutual agreement” it was best for both parties to move on. The Colts had five weeks to make something happen.
Instead, nothing. And Mack was a healthy scratch in Week 9. A complete waste of a roster spot.
#Colts RB Marlon Mack is a healthy inactive tonight vs. the #Jets,
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 4, 2021
Why is Marlon Mack still on the Colts roster? Why wasn’t he traded?
The Colts released Jordan Wilkins earlier in the year, which didn’t exactly upset anybody, but what was the point of that if Mack isn’t going to play, either? What value are his 28 carries for 101 yards in 59 total snaps from Weeks 2-7? Mack was inactive Weeks 1 and 9 and didn’t log a carry in Week 8.
Meanwhile, a third of his carries this season came during crucial losses against the Rams and Ravens. He totaled 10 and picked up just 28 yards. In hindsight, 10 more carries/touches for Jonathan Taylor, who might just be the best running back in the NFL not named Derrick Henry, could’ve altered the Colts’ fortunes in those one-score contests.
How impossibly bad has the Colts’ handling of Mack been this year?
The Colts absolutely should be interested in trading Marlon Mack to the Titans. You're helping them short term? Perhaps a little (it's not going to move the needle much). But youre also gaining a valuable draft pick from a division rival for your #3, contract-year RB. Get it done
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) November 1, 2021
Off the top of your head, how many teams could’ve use a running back? At least four? And it’s not like Mack was untradeable. He averages 4.4 yards per carry for his career. He’s just not getting regular reps after his Achilles injury due to Taylor’s incredible emergence, so it’s likely difficult for him to find a rhythm.
Now, he’ll continue wasting away on the Colts, which is a colossal loss for all parties involved. Can one thing go right for this team in 2021?
Colts: 3 huge missed opportunities at trade deadline
The Indianapolis Colts missed plenty of opportunities at the 2021 NFL trade deadline by doing absolutely nothing! Whee, love that.