Colts' Steichen intends to ride 'hot hand' at running back without Taylor

Indianapolis Colts head coach Shane Steichen doesn't believe just one other running back will be able to make up for the absence of All-Pro Jonathan Taylor.

'I think it's running back-by-committee," Steichen said, according to Joel A. Erickson of the Indianapolis Star. "Whoever's got the hot hand, let 'em ride a little bit."

Zack Moss, Deon Jackson, and rookie Evan Hull top the Colts' backfield depth chart.

Moss was expected to be Taylor's primary backup, but he suffered a broken arm at the start of training camp. While the veteran has returned to practice and is expected to be ready for Week 1, Jackson and Hull will seemingly get their opportunities to shine.

Taylor will miss at least the first four games of the season after being kept on the physically unable to perform list due to an ankle injury. His status is further complicated by a deteriorating relationship with the Colts that led Taylor to request a trade in late July.

Indianapolis opted to keep Taylor after interested teams failed to match its asking price. The Green Bay Packers and Miami Dolphins were reportedly among the clubs interested in acquiring the star running back.

While the Colts won't have Taylor to start the season, they will have a new quarterback under center in rookie Anthony Richardson.

The No. 4 pick is touted as one of the most athletically gifted quarterbacks to ever suit up in the NFL, and Moss recognized that Richardson's ability to run the ball will make it easier for the rest of the Colts' offense.

"The box is lighter," Moss said. "I played with Josh Allen for three years in Buffalo, so I understand when you have a guy like that, what that means for ourselves, for the o-line, for everyone else."

Indianapolis will open the season at home Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars.