Nick Sirianni On Jordan Wilkins' Expanded Role, Trey Burton's Versatility

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Mar 19, 2019
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» Jordan Wilkins just continues to take advantage of his opportunities: While Wilkins has never really been the guy at running back for the Colts since being selected in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, he's done everything asked of him, and more, when he gets into ballgames.


In fact, since 2018, Wilkins' 5.16 yards-per-carry average ranks fourth among all NFL running backs with at least 160 carries over that span.


Wilkins, a key core special teams player for the Colts, also has shown a knack for making big plays late in games, such as his 55-yard run late in the fourth quarter early last season against the Tennessee Titans, which led to an eventual game-winning four-yard touchdown pass from Jacoby Brissett to T.Y. Hilton on the very next play.


Wilkins was pressed into duty once again last Sunday in what ended up being an expanded role against the Detroit Lions, and was sensational; he had a team-high 20 carries for 89 yards (4.5 avg.) and a touchdown, and also added a 24-yard reception in the first quarter.


Wilkins was also outstanding in the fourth quarter, as the Colts pulled away to earn the 20-point road victory; he had 10 rushing attempts for 54 yards in the final period, scoring a one-yard touchdown and then also earning the two-point conversion. According to Pro Football Focus, three of Wilkins' carries in the fourth quarter went for first downs, and he forced four missed tackles in the period.


Sirianni said that while the Colts will continue to have the ultimate confidence in rookie starter Jonathan Taylor, Wilkins got hot at the right time last Sunday and continued to get opportunities; accordingly, like usual, the Indy coaching staff will continue exploring ways it can incorporate Wilkins into each gameplan.


"Jordan did a great job when he got in and got his opportunity, just like Jordan Wilkins has done for the three years that I've been here and the three years he's been here," Sirianni said. "I feel like he always takes advantage of his opportunities."
 
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