The Indianapolis Colts came into DJ Giddens’ rookie year with a clear idea in mind: let the former Kansas State running back learn behind Jonathan Taylor and grow into a useful backup role. That plan, at least for now, has not played out the way they hoped.
According to Stephen Holder of ESPN, Giddens moved more slowly than expected in his first season, and the Colts have had to adjust. “The Colts are trying to find solutions,” Holder wrote.
“They drafted running back DJ Giddens in the fifth round last year, hoping he could provide some relief behind Taylor. But Giddens didn't develop as quickly as the Colts hoped during his rookie season, and that plan was mostly shelved.”
Giddens enters his second season in Indianapolis after a standout college career at Kansas State, where he finished with 3,087 rushing yards, third in franchise history. But his first year with the Colts was modest by comparison. He totaled 96 yards on 26 carries.
Still, Colts coach Shane Steichen sees reasons for optimism. “Yeah, you know what, he's kind of a glider runner, good slasher, stretch-cut guy that's a physical runner,” Steichen said.
“Saw a little bit in training camp, obviously, last year, and in the reps that he got, late in the season against Houston. So, I'm excited for his growth and his development as a runner.”
Steichen also pointed to the next stage of Giddens’ development as the team looks ahead to 2026. “Yeah, I think there's growth," Steichen said.
"I think understanding the system going into Year Two is a part of it, and I think we'll see a lot of the growth going into training camp when the pads come on," Steichen said about Giddens going into 2026. "Because it is hard to look at running backs with no pads on, but you can still see a little bit of the vision in the cuts and stuff, but the physicality when the pads come on is going to be a big deal.”
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