Colts' Pagano: Rookie RB Mack 'going to be a heck of a football player'
Indianapolis Colts running back Frank Gore, now 34 years old, hasn't missed a game in six seasons, recording no fewer than 250 carries in each campaign.
The Colts may finally have an adequate option to help alleviate Gore's workload in rookie Marlon Mack, their fourth-round pick in the 2017 draft.
“He’s going to be a heck of a football player, whether he’s running the football -- I think he averaged nine yards a carry, made a couple of nice catches," Colts head coach Chuck Pagano said, according to Mike Wells of ESPN.
Mack led the team with 45 yards on five rushing attempts in the second preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys, with his three most impressive rushes going for 10, 13, and 23 yards. He also added two receptions for 14 yards.
It was a strong debut after missing the first preseason game with a shoulder injury.
“Anytime you’re out there on the field in a game showing people your talent is good for me,” Mack said. "You’re just trying to get over these injuries and get out there and perform. Hopefully I can show the coaches I can do a lot. I’m just trying to go out there and perform well.”
Gore recorded yet another 1,000-yard season in 2016, but he was held under four yards per carry for the second consecutive campaign. They're his first two seasons being held below the mark.
As he enters the final year of his contract, the Colts may finally choose to properly groom a viable replacement.