The Colts are moving on from a Week 1 starter. The team is releasing running back Deon Jackson, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The Colts are filling the open roster spot with running back Trey Sermon, who will be promoted from the practice squad to the active roster.
[RELATED: Colts Add RB Trey Sermon To Practice Squad]
With Jonathan Taylor sitting on PUP and Zack Moss sidelined with a hand injury, the Colts handed Jackson the reigns to start the season. The third-year RB disappointed, finishing Week 1 with 28 yards from scrimmage on 18 touches. Moss returned in Week 2 and stole all the running back carries, and Jackson was limited to only a single special teams snap in that win over the Texans.
Now, Jackson will find himself looking for his next gig. The former UDFA out of Duke spent two-plus seasons in Indy, appearing in 27 games. He started two of his 16 appearances in 2022, finishing with 445 yards from scrimmage and two touchdowns.
While the Colts continue to seek a resolution with Taylor, the team has done some work to reshuffle their RB corps this week. The team added Sermon to the practice squad before declaring Evan Hull out for the season with a torn meniscus. For the time being, the Colts will move forward with a depth chart that consists of Moss, Sermon, and Jake Funk.
Sermon started two of his nine appearances for the 49ers during his rookie campaign, with the third-round pick finishing with 193 yards from scrimmage and one touchdown. San Francisco ended up cutting him at the end of the 2022 preseason, and he spent most of last season on the Eagles practice squad.
Hard to believe Deon Jackson went from starter to cut in a single week. The issues are with the offensive line and the boots these JAGs are being asked to fill. Replacing a back like Jonathan Taylor is not easy, whatever the pundits might say about running back by committee.
There’s a few other guys like this in the league – Nick Chubb, Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, Dalvin Cook. Doesn’t help their case that half of them on injured reserve by week three of a fresh NFL season.
To say Irsay is impetuous would be a massive understatement and part of Ballard’s role is to be the owner’s hatchet man – proof being the 2022 Coach/Roster circus.
Jackson being released is similar to NHines of last year….