The Indianapolis Colts released former starting running back Deon Jackson on Saturday, September 23rd, 2023. Jackson started Week 1 for the Colts against the Jaguars, but he only had 14 rushing yards on 13 carries and five receptions.
The Colts’ decision to release Jackson comes as a bit of a surprise, as he was expected to be a key part of the team’s running back rotation this season. However, Jackson struggled in the preseason, and the Colts have a number of other talented running backs on their roster, including Zack Moss, Evan Hull, and Jake Funk.
Moss is expected to return from a broken arm in the next few weeks, and Hull and Funk both had impressive preseason performances. The Colts also have the option of re-signing Kenyan Drake, who was released by the team earlier this week.
Jackson’s release leaves the Colts with a lot of uncertainty at the running back position. Jonathan Taylor is still on the Physically Unable to Perform list (PUP) with a foot injury, and it is unclear when he will be able to return.
If Taylor is unable to play in Week 2, the Colts will likely rely on a combination of Moss, Hull, and Funk to carry the load at running back. However, it is also possible that the Colts will look to sign a veteran running back to bolster their backfield.
The #Colts are releasing RB Deon Jackson, source said, and bringing up RB Trey Sermon from the practice squad for the week. Jackson started Week 1 amid injuries.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 23, 2023
Here is a more in-depth look at the Colts’ running back situation:
- Jonathan Taylor: Taylor is the Colts’ best running back, but he is currently on the PUP list with a foot injury. It is unclear when he will be able to return, but he is expected to be a key part of the Colts’ offense once he is healthy.
- Zack Moss: Moss is expected to return from a broken arm in the next few weeks. He is a powerful running back who can also catch the ball out of the backfield. Moss was expected to be the Colts’ starting running back in Week 1, but he suffered his injury in the preseason.
- Evan Hull: Hull is a rookie running back who had an impressive preseason. He is a shifty runner with good hands. Hull is expected to be a part of the Colts’ running back rotation this season.
- Jake Funk: Funk is another young running back who had a good preseason. He is a versatile back who can run and catch the ball. Funk is also a good special teams player.
- Kenyan Drake: Drake is a veteran running back who was released by the Colts earlier this week. He is a skilled runner and receiver, but he struggled in the preseason. The Colts have the option of re-signing Drake, but it is unclear if they will do so.
The Colts’ running back situation is fluid, and it is possible that the team will make more moves in the coming weeks. However, the Colts have a number of talented running backs on their roster, and they should be able to find a way to produce at the running back position, even if Taylor is unable to play in the early weeks of the season.
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