The Indianapolis Colts have been searching for a spark offensively all season. They had hoped that removing Matt Ryan as the starting quarterback and inserting Sam Ehlinger into the lineup would help jump-start the team, but they fell a little flat once again in Week 8.

Indianapolis hosted the Washington Commanders but lost the game 17-16. Their defense was unable to get a stop on the Commanders’ final drive of the game as they drove down the field for a game-winning touchdown.

While Ehlinger and the offense did their best to put the team in a position to win, they did leave a lot of points on the field. Their inability to punch the ball in on the goal line and two turnovers ultimately did them in.

While Ehlinger should keep getting better the more reps that he gets with the starters, this week’s matchup could be a tough one. The New England Patriots are not only finding their stride, but it looks like the Colts could be without star running back Jonathan Taylor for the matchup.

The first indication that there may be some issues with Taylor’s health was when the Colts signed Jordan Wilkins to the practice squad earlier this week. Taylor re-aggravated his ankle injury against the Commanders which has already cost him two games this season. He missed their Thursday Night Football matchup with the Denver Broncos in Week 5 and Week 6 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Coincidentally, the Colts won both of those games. Deon Jackson filled in admirably in both matchups, rushing for 104 yards and one touchdown on 25 carries, adding 14 receptions for 108 receiving yards. His role has been non-existent with Taylor in the lineup but that would most definitely change should Taylor be forced to miss another game.

In addition to Jackson, we could see the newly acquired Zack Moss get some reps as well, as the Colts received him from the Buffalo Bills in the Nyheim Hines trade. Phillip Lindsay remains on the roster as well as another option.