Running back is not a position of concern for the Indianapolis Colts in 2021.
In fact, there is so much talent there the team has decided to make a bit of a surprising move.
That is to place Marlon Mack on the trade block after bringing him back on a one-year deal this past offseason.
The #Colts and RB Marlon Mack have agreed to mutually seek a trade, per sources. Mack is fully healthy after last year’s Achilles tear. But Jonathan Taylor as the bell cow and Nyheim Hines recently extended, Mack is hoping for opportunities elsewhere.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 28, 2021
He has been pushed out of the rotation and gets a shot at a fresh start away from the winless Colts.
The Indy Running Back RoomÂ
The Colts have not exactly been running the ball great through three games.
Jonathan Taylor leads the way with 171 yards on 42 attempts.
Nyheim Hines, who just signed a three-year extension, is next with only 16 attempts for 64 yards.
Third is Mack, with five rushes for 16 yards.
The veteran was a healthy scratch in Week 3 as the writing was put on the wall about his impending departure.
One reason Colts’ RB Marlon Mack didn't play Sunday is because, per league sources, the team is considering trading him. Mack's on a one-year deal, he's healthy and still can be productive.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 28, 2021
This is a shocking fall for a back who went over 1,000 yards in 2019.
He was the clear number one back, until he suffered a torn Achilles at the beginning of last season.
That opened the door for Taylor to go for over 1,000 yards and allowed Hines to prove to be effective as a runner and a pass-catcher.
Mack re-signed this offseason on a minimal deal, which was smart for him because it ensured a job.
This trade is one that was likely inevitable from the start.
Help Needed All Over
Mack is an experienced runner who appears to be fully recovered from last year’s injury.
The list goes on for teams that could use his services.
The Pittsburgh Steelers come to mind as Najee Harris is being relied upon to carry the offense as a rookie.
A team like the undefeated Arizona Cardinals could even add him to form a dominant trio alongside Chase Edmonds and James Conner.
Or what about the defending champion Tampa Bay Buccaneers?
Mack could form a trio there with Ronald Jones II and Leonard Fournette.
Aside from a few top running teams, Mack presents an intriguing option and could bring number-one back talent to a backup role.
The Colts now have a few weeks to find a trade partner and that means Mack will continue to rest and prepare for his next opportunity.
Fans will also remember this trade as one in which the team is doubling down on Taylor and Hines as the top two backs.
If Mack goes elsewhere and returns to his previous form, Taylor and Hines better keep up their great work.
Yet once again, the running game is not the problem here.
The fact the Colts are going with a hobbled Carson Wentz and having him throw nearly 40 passes a game, as he did in Week 3, may mean the running game can’t solve all the problems being faced by the team.
NEXT: Colts Remain Winless With Carson Wentz At QB
