As we wrap up March 2026, the Indianapolis Colts find themselves in a peculiar situation with their roster, particularly at the running back position. With a storied history that includes legends like Marion Motley, the Colts' current setup raises eyebrows.
Right now, the Colts' backfield revolves around Jonathan Taylor, a standout with a proven track record. However, beyond Taylor, the depth chart thins out quickly.
The backups, DJ Giddens and Ulysses Bentley, have minimal experience, combining for just 27 carries and under 100 yards in their careers. It's a situation that doesn't inspire much confidence in terms of depth.
Why is this depth issue so critical for the Colts? Let's revisit Taylor's performance last season.
During the first ten games, as the Colts cruised to an 8-2 record, Taylor was a powerhouse, averaging 19 carries and 114 yards per game with an impressive six yards per carry. He racked up over 1,000 yards and 15 touchdowns, leading the league in both categories.
However, the latter part of the season told a different story. Despite maintaining his workload, Taylor's production dropped significantly.
His yards per game fell to 64, and his yards per carry dropped to 3.3. This decline wasn't solely due to the loss of their starting quarterback, as the dip began before the injury.
It was clear that Taylor was simply worn out.
Taylor's workload has been immense, carrying the ball over 300 times in half of his six seasons. Only Derrick Henry, with his larger frame, has matched such a workload. Other top backs who have hit the 300-carry mark have seen their performances dip, highlighting the toll it takes.
General Manager Chris Ballard's reluctance to bolster the backfield depth has been a glaring issue. Contrast this with the approach taken by the Rams' GM Les Snead.
When faced with a similar situation, Snead drafted running back Blake Corum to support their lead back, Kyren Williams. This move kept both players fresh and productive throughout the season.
Yet, Ballard has made no such moves. The Colts lost Tyler Goodson to the Falcons, and key backups like Ammer Abdullah and Salvon Ahmed remain unsigned. While Ballard might have plans for the draft, this year's running back class isn't particularly strong, leaving fans uneasy.
Other teams have addressed their backfield needs through free agency, even making minor moves to ensure depth. The Colts, however, are lagging with only three running backs on their roster, matching the number of specialists who kick the ball.
As we approach the draft, the Colts' strategy at running back remains a mystery. It's a situation that would likely perplex even a legend like Marion Motley, who excelled at both running back and linebacker. The Colts need a plan, and they need it soon.