5 Colts who need to perform in Week 1 vs. the Texans

#3: Jonathan Taylor

There's no doubting Taylor's talent. He's an All-Pro and Pro Bowl running back for a reason. But injuries kept him out too much last year, and he's going to need to stay healthy if the Colts want to do more this year.

With Gardner Minshew calling the shots in 2023, Taylor still shined... when he was able to play, that is. But he and Richardson have only taken two snaps together so far. Head Coach Shane Steichen will be able to develop an exciting offense if he can fully utilize Taylor on Sunday, so hopefully, he'll stay healthy.

#2: Zaire Franklin

Franklin had a great year in 2023. He was second in the league, with a career-high 179 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. And like with Latu, he'll need to repeat that brilliance in the game against the Texans to keep their offense contained. And if past comments are anything to go by, Franklin is itching to take another shot at CJ Stroud.

"I already smacked [the Titans] a couple times," Franklin said earlier this year on the Green Light with Chris Long podcast. "It really be Houston [I have beef with]. I'm not going to lie to you. I like C.J., man. I support all our young brothers at quarterback. But C.J., he done said a lot of wild stuff to me in our run-ins.

"He is feeling himself," Franklin continued. "...I need to see that boy again."

Hopefully, this budding animosity will give Franklin the drive needed to go above and beyond on Sunday. The Colts defense will need it.