Colts pre-training camp 53-man roster prediction: Running back
With training camp drawing closer for the Indianapolis Colts , we typically put together a 53-man roster prediction based on what we learned during offseason programs. We will still be doing that, bu
With training camp drawing closer for the Indianapolis Colts , we typically put together a 53-man roster prediction based on what we learned during of
Read Full Story at Yahoo Sports →Why This Matters
The Colts' running back depth chart carries outsized importance in 2024 as the franchise seeks to balance veteran experience with youthful upside. With Jonathan Taylor still nursing lingering injuries, the team's offensive identity—and quarterback Anthony Richardson's development—may hinge on which backs earn roster spots and how their roles are defined in a scheme increasingly favoring versatility.
Background Context
The Colts' backfield has been a revolving door since Taylor's 2021 Pro Bowl season, with injuries and underwhelming performances forcing the team to chase options like Deon Jackson and Trey Sermon last year. Meanwhile, the franchise's shift toward a more pass-heavy attack under Shane Steichen has reduced the value of pure between-the-tackles runners, making third-down and receiving specialists more critical than ever.
What Happens Next
The roster decision will likely come down to whether the Colts prioritize a proven pass-catching back (like Evan Hull) or a bigger-bodied thumper (like Tyler Goodson) to complement a healthy Taylor. The team's final cutdown will also reveal how aggressively they're betting on rookie phenom Trey Benson, whose draft capital and physical profile could force his way onto the roster regardless of training camp performance.
Bigger Picture
This decision reflects a league-wide evolution where running backs are increasingly valued for their utility in modern offensive systems rather than traditional rushing metrics. The Colts' approach mirrors franchises like the Eagles and 49ers, who've built championship-caliber attacks by leveraging backs as dynamic playmakers rather than one-dimensional workhorses.
