Nyheim Hines vs Deon Jackson vs Phillip Lindsay: Who to Target Following Jonathan Taylor Injury News

The Indianapolis Colts' backfield is now a confusing puzzle to solve with the news bell-cow running back Jonathan Taylor would miss Week 5's matchup with the Denver Broncos.

Bettors have three pieces to consider in this puzzle: Nyheim Hines, Deon Jackson, and Phillip Lindsay.

Hines factors in as a pass-catcher but has just eight carries on the season, Jackson has 28 total career rushing yards as a second-year undrafted free agent, while Phillip Lindsay is on his fourth team in four years.

Denver allows 5.4 yards per carry and just got torched by Josh Jacobs for 144 rushing yards and two TDs in Week 4, so this is a dream matchup for an opportunistic running back.

Who can bettors trust in such a messy backfield?

Nyheim Hines vs Deon Jackson vs Phillip Lindsay: Who to Target?

Nyheim Hines

Hines is the safest bet to get more work, given he's operated as Taylor's backup all season. He's much more of a pass-catching option, though, with 19 targets to only eight carries.

That being said, he's been with the Colts his entire career while averaging 4.1 yards per carry with nine rushing TDs. In 2020, the year before Taylor's arrival, Hines had nine different games with six or more carries.

The coaching staff trusts him, and he'll get the first look out of the backfield. It doesn't seem likely he'll receive Taylor's heavy workload though, so Jackson, Lindsay, or both will see work too. But how much?

Deon Jackson

Oddsmakers seem to think Jackson has a great chance to get some work, with +160 odds (as of this writing) to score a TD. Hines only has +150 odds, so Jackson is viewed as a big factor as well.

I don't know if that optimism is warranted, though. Jackson had two games with six carries last year, but the Colts won those matchups by a combined score of 72-15 and Jackson only received work late in the respective contests.

He had a strong career at Duke, with 2,267 rushing yards and 18 TDs, but I think he's more likely than not to disappoint bettors. Partially because of his lack of professional production, and partially because the Colts don't seem to have much faith in Jackson themselves, as evidenced by the quick acquisition of Lindsay.

Phillip Lindsay

Lindsay is easily the most accomplished of the trio, with two 1,000 yard seasons with Indy's Week 5 opponent: the Broncos. Plus, Frank Reich told you himself Lindsay would be a factor:

Expected to be called up from the practice squad, Lindsay has the best resume as an early-down back of any of the Colts' options.

Injuries limited Lindsay the last couple of years, but you don't achieve 2,799 career yards with 18 TDs by accident.

It just may be time for a Lindsay Revenge Game.

Verdict: Hines, Jackson, or Lindsay?

Hines is my favorite target of the trio, primarily because of the value he brings through the air. I'd bet we'll see a true committee approach, with all three rotating carries alongside a higher number of short pass attempts from Matt Ryan.

Passing props for Ryan may be worth a look as a result, though I'd rank the prop targets for bettors as: Hines first, then Lindsay, then Jackson.

Lindsay at +250 is a tantalizing option to score a TD, and I don't think Jackson should have odds this low. In a confusing situation though, I'm sticking with the safest bet: Nyheim Hines.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.