Colts offensive coordinator Nick Sirianni indicated during a media session Monday that he anticipates Hines playing a significant role in the passing game in 2020, Kevin Bowen of 107.5 The Fan Indianapolis reports.
Hines has more competition for reps with second-round rookie Jonathan Taylor joining Marlon Mack and Jordan Wilkins in the Indianapolis backfield. Fortunately for Hines, none of the other three is particularly proficient as a pass catcher, an area where the third-year back shines. With Indianapolis bringing in quarterback Philip Rivers to run the offense, Sirianni suggested Hines could handle a similar role as Danny Woodhead did with the Chargers in 2015, when he compiled 80 receptions while playing alongside Rivers. The 38-year-old Rivers has become even more reliant on his running backs in the years that followed Woodhead's departure, as he targeted Austin Ekeler 108 times in his final season with the Chargers.