Indianapolis Colts: 3 Things to watch for in Preseason Week 1

2. Will this running game be a factor?

Much like the wide receivers in Indy, the running backs are also on the thin side. For the past three seasons, Frank Gore has been their lead back but the veteran is now in Miami with the Dolphins. Gore recently turned 35, so it’s understandable the team wanted to turn the page and give youth a shot to succeed.

Marlon Mack has the best chance to be the lead back, especially with Robert Turbin suspended for four games to start the season. Mack was a fourth-round pick a season ago and had 358 yards, but was a bigger factor as a pass catcher.

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There’s also a couple of rookies who look to factor into the offense in Nyheim Hines from North Carolina State and Jordan Wilkins out of Mississippi. Hines is a bit undersized, but was explosive for the Wolfpack and could be a nightmare to cover out of the backfield as a receiver.

Helping all these young backs will be their top rookie, Quenton Nelson. The Notre Dame guard was arguably one of the best two-or-three talents in the draft and has been turning heads with his play already in camp. He should help open a ton of holes, but the question of who will benefit most from that is still up in the air.

In their first preseason game, it will be telling to see who gets the bulk of the first-team carries as this stable is sorted out.