2023 NFL Power Rankings: Indianapolis Colts

Fantasy surprise: RB Zack Moss

His usage figured to be higher than expected once it became clear Jonathan Taylor would not be ready to start the season. But few could have predicted Moss would break out the way he has, averaging 111.3 rushing yards and scoring four total touchdowns. And because Moss has had such a hot start, he'll likely continue to get his share of touches even though Taylor has now returned to the lineup. -- Stephen Holder

On the one hand, things are very much looking up. The Colts have logged three wins in four games, and Jonathan Taylor is back with a big new contract. On the other hand, Anthony Richardson's early-career injuries are reaching a concerning level. It's nice to have perhaps the NFL's best backup QB in Gardner Minshew, who has indeed been the ideal reliever. But Richardson has now suffered three different injuries in a four-game span, and the AC joint sprain in his right shoulder is expected to cost him a month-plus. It's a catch-22: Richardson's running might be his most dangerous quality, but the more he runs, the more he's exposed to injury. If the Colts can keep pace over the next five games, they'll still be in decent shape to contend for the AFC South title. Shane Steichen deserves early Coach of the Year sentiment for what he's done so far.

They beat the Titans with Gardner Minshew coming off the bench for the injured Anthony Richardson. Now he will face his former team in the Jaguars for first place in the division, but they do have a running game with Zack Moss and Jonathan Taylor to help.

QB2 Gardner Minshew II may be the league's best reliever, but Indianapolis surely didn't count on him playing 50% of the snaps to this point — a figure that's going to rise as Anthony Richardson's sprained throwing shoulder heals.

Quarterback Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 pick, has been great. When he has been on the field. He's averaging 6.9 yards per attempt and has three touchdowns versus one interception. He's also second on the team in rushing (25 carries, 136 yards). The problem is he left Sunday's game with a shoulder injury and now hasn't finished three of his four starts because of injury. Early reports say he could miss a month. Third-round wide receiver Josh Downs has quietly been good. He had six catches for 97 yards Sunday and has 23 for 255 this season.

It has to be concerning that Anthony Richardson has played in four games and has gotten hurt in three of them. He's so fun, but the Colts have to find a way he can play his style while minimizing the risk of injury. Gardner Minshew has played really well in relief, but the Colts just aren't as exciting without Richardson.

What can you do with Anthony Richardson? He has played in four games and been knocked out of three of them with injuries suffered running the ball. A Week 2 concussion caused him to miss a game and a Week 5 shoulder injury will apparently cost him multiple weeks. He can't reach his ceiling if the running game is taken from him, but the running game is putting him in harm's way too often. When he returns, we'll see how he adjusts how he plays, if at all.

Gardner Minshew can lay the foundation to finally start elsewhere.

Tweets by @EDSFootball