Colts' Zack Moss to 'Carry the Load' with Jonathan Taylor Injury
The joy quickly faded after Victory Monday for the Indianapolis Colts as bad news struck the franchise, once again.
This time, it dealt with their superstar running back Jonathan Taylor. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Taylor suffered a thumb injury during Sunday's win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that may require surgery. Only a few hours later, Colts owner Jim Irsay revealed to The Athletic that Taylor would be undergoing surgery on the injured thumb, sidling him for 2-3 weeks.
Colts head coach Shane Steichen began his weekly Wednesday presser addressing the reports regarding his former All-Pro back.
"Obviously you guys heard the news about JT," Steichen started. "We found out he sustained an injury to his thumb after the game Monday evening. He’s going to have a surgery done on it. How much time it will be – not exactly sure. But we’ll see how the rehab process goes and hopefully we’ll have him back sooner than later.”
The injury comes off Taylor's best game of 2023. After missing the first four games due to an ankle injury, Taylor has been working his way back into the dominant back he once was. Against a stout Buccaneers rush defense, Taylor ripped off 91 yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns to lead the Colts to their third straight win.
Steichen stated injured reserve is not being considered for Taylor at this time, signaling the Colts do not expect him to miss more than the required four weeks to be placed on the list. In the meantime, Zack Moss will be the Colts' lead back until Taylor returns, just as he was to begin the season.
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) smiles on the bench during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Lucas Oil Stadium at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Jenna Watson-USA TODAY Sports
“Obviously, when JT wasn’t with us early in the season, Zack carried the load and that’s what we expect going forward with him until we get JT back.”
And carry the load he did. Moss was arguably the most productive player on the offensive side of the ball for the Colts to begin the year. Being in this position less than two months ago, Moss already knows how to attack his new role.
"I’ve already kind of done it before so now it’s just time to kind of do it again," Moss said Wednesday. "That’s why you prepare every day. You never know what’s going to happen in this league. So, just got to go out there and do it.”
Moss deserves a lot of credit for how he has handled his ever-changing role. He has gone from the No.2 running back to starter while Taylor was out to begin the year, returned to the backup while second in the NFL in rushing yards, and will be the starter, yet again. Some players would not be able to adapt to the numerous changes, but Moss has taken it all in stride.
"I think it’s being a pro honestly," Moss remarked. "I think that’s all it comes down to. When you get to this level, everyone has a role at the end of the day no matter if you’re the guy who is taking 60 snaps or a guy who is taking 30, or a guy going out on special teams. We all have a role ... but when your role changes, you just have to be ready to go mentally and physically. I have great teammates that allow me to go out there and do that."
Moss has had a career year by all metrics. He sits tenth in the NFL in rushing with 672 yards despite having ten fewer carries than anyone else in the top ten. His six total touchdowns are the most of any player on the Colts this season.
When asked about his success in 2023, the running back quickly gives his offensive line and wide receivers credit for their blocking, springing him open for big gains. You will not hear the humble veteran talk about his accomplishments and attributes. However, that did not stop his coach from glowing about his strengths.
“I think he’s very nimble," Steichen admitted. "Like when he’s going through, he’s very patient. He sees it, he presses the holes and then when he does get out in space he is able to break tackles and create those explosives, which is awesome to see. He’s been awesome for us all year, and obviously excited for him for these next – however long.”
Indianapolis Colts running back Zack Moss (21) rushes into the end zone for a touchdown Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023, during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
With Moss expected to receive the bulk of the carries over the next few weeks, more production could be in store. Moss needs to average just over 54 yards a game the rest of the year to get the first 1,000-yard season of his career. But per usual, Moss is not focused on his accomplishments, instead looking forward to this week's matchup with the Tennessee Titans.
"I think all those hypothetical things come with team success," Moss explained. "Right now is about handling this week, going out there with a divisional opponent. Going to their home where they play a lot better at home and obviously now our second time playing them. We did some things the first time, which I’m sure they don’t want to happen again."
The Colts beat the Titans 23-16 in their Week 5 matchup earlier this season. Moss could not be stopped that afternoon, ripping off 195 total yards and two touchdowns to help lead Indy to victory. It is safe to say the Titans will focus on not allowing Moss to have that big of a day this time around.
The Titans are also a much different team at home than on the road. All four of their victories this season have come at Nissan Stadium in Nashville. The Colts must be ready for the Titans' best as Indy looks to stay in playoff position in the AFC with their fourth straight win.
And if the rest of the team is as focused as Moss is, the Colts will be ready for a fight.
"That’s kind of where my mindset is and I’m sure everybody on the team as well – is we’ve got a chance to do some special things this season and we’ve got another step to take.”
Any other year, the loss of Taylor at this juncture of the season would spell doom for the Colts' playoff chances. But the ascension of Moss this season allows the Colts to continue their improbable run, which may end later than anyone thought possible.
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