Colts’ Frank Reich: Marlon Mack is a ‘class act in every way’
Indianapolis Colts running back Marlon Mack will miss the rest of the 2020 season after tearing his Achilles tendon during the team’s Week 1 opening loss against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
While this could be the end of Mack’s tenure with Indy—he’s in a contract year—head coach Frank Reich had nothing but praise for the 24-year-old running back, who has been the team’s starter since 2018.
“The one injury note that I can give you is that I can confirm that Marlon Mack did rupture his Achilles and he will be out for the season. That’s really unfortunate,” Reich told reporters Monday. “I mean, Marlon is beloved in our locker room – has such immense amount of respect and love for this guy. He is a true Colt. He was just looking so good in training camp and even in his few snaps yesterday, he just looks like lightning, man. He just looked like lightning out there. It’s very unfortunate and very bad timing for him and his family. I haven’t had a chance to talk to Marlon yet, but did leave him a message today saying I really believe the best football is still ahead for Marlon Mack. That guy is a class act in every way and a great player.”
Mack was looking good before his injury. He had four carries for 26 yards and was active in the passing game, catching all three of his targets for 30 yards.
The Colts have already worked out a few free-agent running backs, including veteran Lamar Miller.
It is truly an unfortunate turn of events for Mack, who now is likely to enter free agency with a lot of question marks revolving around his future outlook. The Achilles injury isn’t one to be taken lightly. No injuries are, but the Achilles is a very difficult injury to come back from.
Mack is still young enough that a team is likely to take a chance on him. Maybe it’s the Colts. Maybe it’s another team. But there is a long road ahead for the former fourth-round pick.
The USF product will now be out for the rest of the year while rookie Jonathan Taylor takes the starting role.
