Indianapolis Colts RB Zack Moss suffered a broken arm in a July 31 practice and underwent surgery the following day. Should fantasy football managers be concerned with Moss’ injury and subsequent return?
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What Happened to Zack Moss?
Moss was given a four-to-six-week recovery timetable at the time of the procedure. He was seen at the Colts’ practice Thursday without a cast or brace on his arm.
However, he’s yet to return to practice heading into official Week 1 prep. A Sept. 2 report also indicates that Moss is now trending toward a Week 2 debut, although that could naturally be disproven if the 2020 third-round pick is able to rejoin practice leading up to the opener.
What Are the Colts’ Options If Moss Misses Time?
Moss’ potential absence is magnified by the fact the Colts are already without Jonathan Taylor, who is on the PUP list due to his ongoing ankle issues (and has also requested a trade).
Consequently, if Moss isn’t deemed ready to play against Jacksonville, the Colts will likely deploy fourth-year pro Deon Jackson as their lead back in Week 1, absent the signing of a free-agent option that can quickly get up to speed on the playbook.
If Moss were unavailable Week 1, rookie fifth-round pick Evan Hull would be in line to serve as Jackson’s sole backup as the Colts’ roster currently stands. Hull took 17 carries for 53 yards and a touchdown over three preseason games while adding three receptions for 17 yards.
What Does This Mean for Moss’ Fantasy Ranking?
Moss’ fantasy outlook shouldn’t be subject to any appreciable downgrade based on this injury; Taylor’s eventual 2023 playing status and destination is what stands to have exponentially more impact on Moss’s outlook.
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Even a Week 1 absence for Moss would give him an opportunity to serve as the Colts’ presumptive lead back for at least three games until Taylor is eligible to return. And as previously alluded to, there’s a chance the disgruntled back may have played his last down for the team.