INDIANAPOLIS -- In a time when injuries and inconsistent play have been the norm, the Indianapolis Colts finally had a member of their rookie class step to the forefront and give an indication that he could have an impact this season.
First-round pick Malik Hooker? Nope, he’s been dinged up so far. Second-round Quincy Wilson? He left Saturday’s preseason game at Dallas with a knee injury. Third-round pick Tarell Basham? There’s glaring need for pass-rushers, but Basham has yet to seize the opportunity.
It’s running back Marlon Mack.
The fourth-round pick out of the University of South Florida rushed for 45 yards on five carries against the Cowboys. What made Mack’s debut even more impressive was that he had runs of 10, 13 and 23 yards.
“It was great -- my first NFL game,” Mack said. “Coach has been waiting on me. He’s telling me that I need to go out there and show what I’ve got, show my talent, and that’s what I did.”
Mack was one of the few bright spots for an offense that continues to sputter along without starting quarterback Andrew Luck (shoulder) during the preseason. Mack, who also had two receptions for 14 yards, missed the preseason opener against Detroit on Aug. 13 with a shoulder injury.
“I thought he was outstanding,” Pagano said. “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. (He had a) screen called back because of a foolish holding penalty again on (offensive tackle La'Raven Clark).”
Mack gives the Colts a different dimension in the backfield to go with veterans Frank Gore and Robert Turbin, who are more power backs. Mack is an explosive runner who proved Saturday that he can find holes and make big plays. The longer the offense struggles without Luck, the more the Colts could use chunk plays.
Mack will likely get more snaps -- he had 17 against Dallas -- in the final two preseason games against Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. But this isn’t about just today for Mack and the Colts. It’s also about the future for them at running back. Gore, the steady professional throughout his career, is 34 years old and in the final year of his contract, so the ideal situation would be for the Colts to start preparing to find his replacement for down the road.
“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.”