BREAKING: Short-Handed Colts Lose RB on 1st Drive

The Indianapolis Colts could ill afford to lose another running back.

With Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor inactive for Thursday night's game, the last thing the Colts needed was something to happen to Nyheim Hines.

The worst came true on the first drive of the night as Hines was tackled on a 3rd down and got up wobbly. The new concussion protocols put in place after Tua Tagovailoa was seriously injured last week almost guarantee Hines won't return.

Easy call that #NyheimHines day is done. Didn't even see "red hat" go to the locker room with him as there really is no decision to make. pic.twitter.com/wcNgsrpRwd

— David J. Chao - ProFootballDoc (@ProFootballDoc) October 7, 2022

#Colts RB Nyheim Hines heads to the locker room to be tested for a concussion after exhibiting gross motor instability on the field.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 7, 2022

Gross motor instability was demonstrated by Hines as he stumbled and nearly fell down as his legs buckled.

The new NFL-NFLPA protocols have not been finalized but the message in the joint statement last week regarding “gross motor instability” was clear. Nyheim Hines won’t be back tonight. Just hope he’s OK. https://t.co/0klfETjy4T

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 7, 2022

With Hines out for the night, the bulk of the load at running back will be handled by Deon Jackson and/or former Denver Broncos player Phillip Lindsay.

The stage was set early for Lindsay to have his revenge game against the Broncos, and now it looks like he'll get an oversized load Thursday night.

8:49 p.m. EST Update - Hines has been officially ruled out for the rest of the game.

Nyheim Hines has been declared out with a concussion.

— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) October 7, 2022

Stay tuned to Horseshoe Huddle as we update this breaking injury news.