There’s very little surprise, especially if you saw the play live, that Indianapolis Colts third down specialist Robert Turbin will likely miss the remainder of the season. Turbin was taken down late in the game and when he put his hand down to brace himself his arm bent at the elbow in ways it was not meant to.
Turbin was taken straight off of the field with one trainer holding his arm in position in attempt to keep it from moving. Colts coach Chuck Pagano spoke today on 1070 The Fan stating that Turbin’s season is “probably over” leaving another role open going forward.
Chuck Pagano says on @1070thefan that Robert Turbin's season is "probably over."
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) October 17, 2017
Brutal blow to easily one of the most dependable Colts.
In response to Turbin’s injury on Monday Night Football, the Colts signed Josh Ferguson to their practice squad and released Cyril Grayson Jr. from the practice squad. Ferguson is a familiar name for the Colts. Ferguson was signed as an UDFA in 2016, but made his way through the path of being waived-injured, placed on Injured Reserve then was waived from IR a little over a month ago.
The Colts still have Matt Jones on the roster who is possibly built for the role being vacated by Turbin’s injury, but Jones hasn’t had many touches and is left to be determined. The Colts will be in an interesting situation with attempting to get rookie Marlon Mack more touches, rotating a third down option in the backfield, but also filling Turbin’s role on special teams.
We have signed RB Josh Ferguson to the practice squad and released WR Cyril Grayson Jr. from the practice squad: https://t.co/nY4lCMquXV pic.twitter.com/dq7talxlQL
— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 17, 2017
Though Turbin’s raw stats aren’t eye-popping by any means, but having a reliable third-and-short running back was certainly a comfort the Colts will be desperate to regain. Who will get the bulk of the screen passes? How about the added workload?
Common hope with the fan base would lean towards Mack with already apparent need to get him more involved in the offense after a despicable 2-touch game Monday Night. If it makes sense, I wouldn’t count on it. Jones will definitely try to find a way to earn those short yardage opportunities.
The Colts backfield has been pretty unimpressive as a unit this season. Mack seemingly isn’t being used for his strengths, Gore has only a small group of significant rushes — typically in the first half of games when he’s fresh — and the group as a whole has less than 500 yards on the ground through 6 weeks.
This is now yet another position which will have to be worked out as the season progresses due to injury or poor play.