Mack a healthy scratch

Colts RB Marlon Mack is a healthy scratch for today's game against the Titans. Jordan Wilkins is active as Indy's #3 RB behind Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines. The news could mean a few extra carries for Taylor.

The Texans signed RB Marlon Mack to a 1-year deal. Mack tallied 1,999 yards and 17 TDs on 4.5 yards per carry across his 2nd and 3rd NFL seasons. But he tore his Achilles in the 2020 opener and totaled just 28 carries for 101 yards behind Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines in Indianapolis last year. If somewhere close to 100%, though, Mack might just be the best in a Houston backfield currently sporting only Rex Burkhead, Royce Freeman and Dare Ogunbowale. We'll see if the Texans add more in the draft. Mack just turned 26 last month.

The Chiefs have "looked into" trading for Colts RB Marlon Mack, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported a couple of weeks ago that Mack is on the trade block. He's looked pretty good coming off last year's torn Achilles, averaging 4.3 yards on 20 attempts. The Chiefs, of course, have a need at RB after losing Clyde Edwards-Helaire for the next few weeks. We'll see where this goes, but Mack is an interesting stash if you have a roster spot to play with.

The Colts and RB Marlon Mack have "agreed to mutually seek a trade," NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports. Mack made it back from last year's Achilles tear for Week 1 but has carried just 5 times so far this season. He was a healthy scratch last week. We'll see where this goes, but Mack is only worth stashing in deep fantasy leagues.

Colts RB Marlon Mack doesn't have any limitations in training camp. But he admits that he's still "trying to get the wheels right" after last September's torn Achilles. "I’d say my body and just getting my legs right,’" Mack said. “Still each day feel this and that, but just going out there and getting used to guys flowing around, getting used to practice with guys because I was with bags in the summer. Now I’m going with guys who are moving 100% and not being stationary. But it’s getting better each day, I would say that for sure. I’m getting more comfortable. I feel great." Mack is unlikely to be a fantasy factor this year without an injury to RB Jonathan Taylor. But we're curious to see just how much work he'll siphon from Taylor.

Zak Keefer of The Athletic reports that the Colts say RB Marlon Mack is back to 100% health for the start of camp. That's noteworthy, given Mack missed last year with a torn Achilles' tendon. Of course, being 100% healthy does not necessarily equal being back to your original performance level. But this is a big step for the veteran back. Mack still can't hope to be more than the #3 RB on this year's Indy roster, but his return could leave Jordan Wilkins without a spot. A near full-strength Mack could also stress the workload for Jonathan Taylor.