Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack suffered a torn Achilles during the team’s Week 1 loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Though it hasn’t been confirmed, this will most likely end his season.
During the second quarter of the game, Mack leaked out as a check down option for quarterback Philip Rivers, who found him rather quickly. After catching the ball, Mack quickly hit the ground and held his ankle.
The 24-year-old limped off the field with help from the training staff and eventually was carted to the locker room where he was quickly ruled out for the rest of the game. Mack finished the game with four carries for 26 yards and three receptions on three targets for 30 yards.
Source: Marlon Mack tore his Achilles’ tendon.
— jimayello (@jimayello) September 14, 2020
There were fears that Mack did suffer a torn Achilles, and those fears have become a reality.
With Mack out of the picture for the 2020 season, the Colts are likely to lean more on rookie Jonathan Taylor, a second-round pick back in April. He wound up leading the backfield in carries after Mack’s injury.
Pass-catching back Nyheim Hines will also continue to be a big part of the offense in both phases of the game. Third-year back Jordan Wilkins is also likely to see an increase in playing time.
Mack is just 24 years old, and this injury could not have come at a worse time. He will be a free agent following the 2020 season, and it is now unlikely the Colts will re-sign him unless it’s for a very cheap one-year deal.
It’s a tough break for the USF product, and the Colts offense will now have to keep the rushing attack explosive without their starting running back.
