The Indianapolis Colts have been riding the hot hand in the backfield since coming out of the bye week and in the latest win over the Green Bay Packers, it was Nyheim Hines who led the way.
The third-year back took 12 carries for 70 rushing yards and a touchdown while catching five passes for 45 yards and a touchdown. It was a big day for the 23-year-old.
Now, it seems Hines could be the one leading the backfield again when the Colts host the Packers on Sunday, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
“Nyheim Hines for the Indianapolis Colts broke out a little bit last week—100 yards from scrimmage—and with some inconsistency and frustration with rookie Jonathan Taylor, do not be surprised if Hines once again gets the bulk of the carries for the Colts as Frank Reich continues to ride the hot hand,” Rapoport said.
Hines certainly showed in Week 10 against the Titans that he is the backfield’s most elusive running back. Taylor has been struggling in that area for the majority of his rookie season and its one of the biggest reasons why he hasn’t been able to get things going.
The Colts have truly become a hot-hand backfield so it’s impossible to tell who will actually get the biggest workload. Taylor could come out on the first drive and establish himself. He could falter as we’ve seen and then the Colts move on to Hines and Jordan Wilkins.
But it seems the Colts are finally coming around to giving Hines more consistent touches, which is certainly a plus for the offense.
