The Indianapolis Colts will be without Jonathan Taylor in Week 5 but this gives Nyheim Hines the opportunity to get more involved.
During the offseason, Frank Reich promised that he would do a better job of involving Nyheim Hines in the offense. Reich admitted that the Indianapolis Colts would be putting Hines’ versatility to use and that fans should draft him in fantasy. However, many fans and media members believe that Reich hasn’t delivered on that promise since Hines hasn’t had all that many touches through the first four weeks.
Splitting his time in the backfield and lined up at receiver, Hines has just eight carries and 17 receptions through four games. He’s been targeted a total of 19 times. For comparison, Hines had 18 carries and 14 receptions on 18 targets through four games last season. So while he may be split out more, there isn’t necessarily a dramatic increase in touches.
Due to some unfortunate circumstances, that should change on Thursday when the Colts play the Denver Broncos. On Wednesday, the team announced that Jonathan Taylor would miss the game because of an ankle injury. While everyone wants to see Taylor on the field, this situation leaves Reich with no excuse for Hines not being involved.
Frank Reich has no excuse not to get Nyheim Hines involved
In Week 4 against the Titans, Hines didn’t touch the football in the entire first half. He finished the game with one carry and just two catches. That’s unacceptable for one of the team’s most dynamic playmakers. Even with Taylor playing, Hines should never have a game with so few touches.
Now that Taylor is out, the Colts will likely elevate Phillip Lindsay from the practice squad so that he can help in the backfield against his former team. However, Hines should be the No. 1 guy out of the backfield on Thursday.
Reich has to be intentional about getting Hines the ball and hopefully it will lead to better offensive production for a team that has been struggling to score the ball. If Hines can have a big game while Taylor is out, maybe it will encourage Reich to get Hines regular touches even once Taylor returns.
Colts Power Rankings: Is Indy the worst team in the NFL entering Week 5?
The Indianapolis Colts enter Week 5 at a disappointing 1-2-1 and they are losing respect from experts in the latest round of power rankings.