After Zack Moss signed elsewhere, the Colts lost their leading rusher from last season, so how big of a need is Jonathan Taylor’s top backup for the 2024 campaign?
According to PFF, the Indianapolis Colts ‘one last offseason move’ is to sign a veteran running back for primary backup reps behind starting star workhorse Jonathan Taylor:
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS: SIGN ANOTHER RUNNING BACK
Jonathan Taylor signed a multi-year contract extension with the Colts last season, keeping him in Indianapolis through the end of the 2026 season. Beyond him, the Colts have just 92 NFL carries on their roster, with 78 of those coming from Trey Sermon.
An expanded role for Evan Hull, whom Indianapolis drafted in the fifth round in 2023, seems likely, but another veteran addition wouldn’t be a surprise.
After being limited to 10 games (7 starts) last season, because of an initial stint on PUP (ankle) and a late season thumb injury, it may be prudent for the Colts to bring in a veteran as a change-of-pace back behind Taylor—and insurance depth, as well as to keep him fresher down the season’s stretch (not to mention, extend his playing career—owed $42 million over the next 3 years).
The Colts saw firsthand the importance of a solid running back behind Taylor, as Zack Moss set career highs in carries (183), rushing yards (794), and rushing touchdowns (5) as the interim starter during Taylor’s extended absences and rushed well in relief (8 starts).
However, the Colts lost Moss, who signed a 2-year deal, to the Cincinnati Bengals in free agency and did not address the position entirely in the recent NFL Draft (which I know some Colts fans widely projected Indy to take local product, Purdue’s Tyrone Tracy Jr., who instead went to the New York Giants in the 5th round).
Trey Sermon, Tyler Goodson, and Evan Hull (coming off a season-ending rookie injury) are all returning, as well as Zavier Scott (who spent 2023 on the practice squad) but the Colts cupboard is pretty barren regarding proven backfield options beyond Taylor.
There’s still some veteran unsigned free agency options including Dalvin Cook, Kareem Hunt, Jerick McKinnon, Cam Akers, and Matt Breida among others.
However, it appears the Colts may be comfortable going with younger and fresher legs—even if they are unproven. Given that it’s typically a ‘young man’s game’ at NFL running back, it’s not necessarily a bad call.
Personally, I think safety is a much greater need right now as any potential ‘last move,’ especially with how Sermon and Goodson stepped up in spot-duty as part of a shorthanded Colts backfield during last year’s Week 15 home victory against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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