More WR work coming?

There has been plenty of buzz about the Colts planning better production for RB Nyheim Hines this season. One key factor in making that happen should be his usage in WR spots. Here's what OC Marcus Brady had to say back ahead of training camp, according to SI.com's Horseshoe Huddle: "We can put Nyheim in the slot and run routes. He runs routes like receivers well. We're going to spread him out. ... Nyheim's ability to play both [RB and WR] essentially allows us to be a little more creative." Hines hit career lows in targets, receptions and yards last season, despite the extra game. His route rate also dipped to a career low, according to Pro Football Focus, with a career-high percentage of his time spent pass-blocking. But the Colts also jumped Hines' time in the slot to a carer-high 23.2% from a previous high of 11.8% (and just 8.9% in 2020). In total, Hines lined up at WR on 36.7% of snaps, vs. a previous high of 25.9% in 2019. It's clear that coaches are expecting QB Matt Ryan to leverage Hines' receiving skills more than Carson Wentz did. The WR usage explains how Hines can get a boost without hurting Jonathan Taylor's opportunity.