Stokley: Phillip Lindsay can make biggest impact among Broncos rookies

Yes, the sample size for Phillip Lindsay’s rookie season is only one game, but the former CU Buffs running back is on pace to rush for more than 1,100 yards and have double-digit touchdowns for the Denver Broncos in 2018.

With those projected stats in 2018, “Stokley and Zach” co-host Brandon Stokley said Lindsay could have the biggest impact from a rookie on the Broncos roster.

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But that’s if the Broncos continue to use Lindsay as much as they did Sunday in a win over the Seattle Seahawks, Stokley said.

“He showed he can run the ball inside the tackles. He showed he can get outside. He showed he can make plays in the passing game,” Stokley said. “So, will they continue to use him like this or will all of a sudden we see Phillip Lindsay’s carries go from 15 to five?”

On Sunday, Lindsay had 15 carries for 71 yards while catching two passes for 31 yards and a touchdown.

Stokley, however, said he couldn’t think of a reason not to use Lindsay the way Denver did Sunday other than if the Broncos want to keep him fresh through a long season.

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“Maybe they don’t want to overuse him because he’s not the biggest guy. So you don’t want to be giving him 22 carries a game,” Stokley said. “And maybe they’re just like, Royce Freeman looked good. We like what we see from Royce Freeman. Let’s take down the carries on Phillip Lindsay. It’s a long football season. Let’s not wear him out. That might be their thought process.”

Stokley said Lindsay’s impact will be felt more because of his versatility in the run and passing game.

“How many opportunities will Courtland get? I see the opportunities for Phillip Lindsay being a lot higher than a guy like Courtland Sutton,” Stokley said.

Against the Seahawks, Sutton was targeted just five times and had two receptions for 45 yards. Fellow rookie running back Royce Freeman carried the ball 15 times for 71 yards as well but did not have any receptions.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.