Colts Players Stock Up and Stock Down According to ESPN

The Indianapolis Colts are in the process of a rebuild after a disappointing 2022 season. They lost their season opener to the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-21 after leading 21-17 in the fourth quarter.

There was plenty to like even in a loss to the defending AFC South champions including the debut of quarterback Anthony Richardson. 

ESPN identified a pair of players whose stock was up and whose stock was down after the loss to the Jaguars.

Stock up after the loss: DT DeForest Buckner. The star defensive tackle showed his worth Sunday, making a huge fourth-down stop and then registering a sack/fumble and scoop-and-score on the same wild sequence in the third quarter. -- Stephen Holder, ESPN

Zaire Franklin might have been a good choice on the Colts' defense as well. He finished the game with 18 tackles, 10 more than the next closest Colts player.

Holder's pick for stock down might be a sore spot for Colts' fans after the Jonathan Taylor drama all preseason.

Stock down after the loss: RB Deon Jackson. Jackson was forced into a starting role in the absence of Jonathan Taylor (PUP) and Zack Moss (broken arm). He lost two fumbles and rushed for 14 yards on 13 carries (1.1 yards per attempt), as the Colts consistently struggled to muster a running game. -- Stephen Holder, ESPN

To be fair, Jackson would be considered the third-string running back if everyone was healthy. However, the third-year pro out of Duke needed to take advantage of the opportunity presented. He didn't.

The Colts should have an easier going next week against the Houston Texans, but they're still listed as an underdog in Houston. The Texans are coming off a 25-9 drubbing at the hands of the Baltimore Ravens.