Indianapolis Colts running back Zack Moss Robert Scheer/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

With Jonathan Taylor back, Zack Moss might still have starring role in Indy offense

By Cameron Kiszla | Last updated Oct 8, 2023 4:34 PM ET

The Indianapolis Colts (3-2) topped the division-rival Tennessee Titans on Sunday, but that win came with a few unexpected twists.

First, starting quarterback Anthony Richardson hurt his shoulder, forcing backup Gardner Minshew into relief duty. Then by the end of the game, it wasn't All-Pro running back Jonathan Taylor who was the key to the offense.

In his first game back after securing a contract extension, Taylor played second fiddle to Zack Moss.

Moss continued to lead the Colts offense with another strong performance in the 23-16 win, this time racking up two touchdowns and almost 200 yards from scrimmage.

In comparison, Taylor had 18 rushing yards on six carries and one reception for 16 yards.

The differences in production could have been purposeful, as The Athletic's NFL insider Dianna Russini noted Saturday that Taylor would likely see limited action in his return to the field.

A new contract doesn't mean an unleashed Jonathan Taylor. I was told the Colts are going to be smart with his usage considering he hasn't played since last year because of his ankle. The Colts will have him on a count & ramp up his workload over the next month, per source.
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) October 7, 2023

That proved true against the Titans, as Taylor only had seven touches, while Moss had 25.

Does this mean Moss will have preference over Taylor moving forward? Probably not, considering the huge extension Taylor received, but it does indicate to fantasy owners that Moss may still have some value, at least until Taylor is playing without limitations.

Moss might also benefit if Richardson's shoulder injury is serious enough for him to miss significant time.

Richardson is a physical runner, and while Minshew can throw the ball, he's not a dual-threat quarterback. With Taylor and Moss, the Colts have two players with proven ability to rush the football.

Whether those opportunities for the running backs translate to fantasy points remains to be seen, but a situation that seemed cut-and-dried after Taylor's extension is changing — and Moss might be the biggest beneficiary.

Cameron Kiszla

Cameron Kiszla is a journalist and writer based in Los Angeles. He is an Alabama native and two-time University of Alabama graduate who enjoys reading, writing, playing golf and watching Auburn lose. Follow him on Twitter @CameronKiszla

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