Zack Moss is on pace for his most productive season ever. That’ll change if the Indianapolis Colts activate Jonathan Taylor. Here’s how Moss feels about it.
By Jaleel Grandberry
An argument can be made that no one has benefited more from Jonathan Taylor being on the PUP list than Zack Moss. After missing Week 1 dealing with his own injury, Moss returned in Week 2 and has started the last two games at running back for the Indianapolis Colts. He’s been dominant in both outings, restoring a productive run game for the Colts.
Through two games, Moss has 48 carries for 210 yards and one touchdown, along with six receptions for 42 yards and an additional touchdown. That includes a career-best game in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens, where he ran the ball 30 times for 122 yards, both career highs. Currently averaging 105 yards a game, with the way he and Indy’s offensive line has been looking, Moss would easily have the best year of his career if he stayed healthy and started all season.
However, that was never the plan, because the Colts have a starting running back. Jonathan Taylor, one of the best running backs in the NFL, is still with the team, even if it’s against his desires. It has already been reported that Taylor is currently healthy, and he even shared footage of him training for his return. On Monday, following Indy’s Week 4 game against the Los Angeles Rams, Taylor will be eligible to be activated off the PUP list.
What does that mean for Zack Moss? Likely a demoted role. How does the fourth-year running back feel about that possibility, despite the fact that he’s been playing so well? Surprisingly, he’s excited. Just like everyone else, Moss is ready to see Taylor back on the field.
Zack Moss is excited for Jonathan Taylor’s return to the Colts
ESPN’s Stephen Holder recently wrote a piece detailing how Zack Moss finally feels appreciated. In the piece, Moss talked about his thoughts on Jonathan Taylor returning:
“J.T. is a hell of a player. Everyone knows that. So, there’s not going to be any type of negativity when he comes back. It wasn’t like that last year. He’s a great guy. I’m happy to go get back out there with him in this style of offense.”- Zack Moss
Moss even went on to highlight how both guys being in the backfield is beneficial for the both of them, because it should keep both guys healthy. Ultimately, Moss wants to win, saying, “As long as those things are resulting in wins, I don’t really think no one cares what the stats look like, what the carries look like. As long as we’re coming out with a W.”
That’s certainly what everyone wants to see, and with a backfield of Moss, Taylor, and Anthony Richardson at quarterback, Shane Steichen will definitely be able to engeineer a devastating rushing attack. Moss and Taylor played just four complete games together. In those games, Taylor had 85 carries for 399 yards and three touchdowns. Moss only had seven carries for 31 yards.
It’ll be interesting to see what the balance between the two would look like now, especially with Taylor missing all of the offseason and the first four weeks of the season. Will he immediately get the lion share of carries? Will Steichen split their reps all season? Will Taylor even remain with the Colts? All of these questions will be answered in the coming weeks.
Originally posted on horseshoeheroes.com