Colts Work Out Ex-Lions Running Back Mikel Leshoure

Aug 29, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Detroit Lions running back Mikel Leshoure (25) runs the ball against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

According to Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun, the Indianapolis Colts worked out three players recently: wide receiver Kadron Boone, running back Mikel Leshoure, and cornerback Ellis Lankster. Of course given the recent struggles of Trent Richardson at running back, the most notable name is Leshoure. He had previously worked out with the Colts in early September.

As a former 2nd round pick of the Lions in 2011, Leshoure had some success with Detroit in 2012, when he rushed for 798 rushing yards on 215 carries (3.7 ypc) and 9 touchdowns. However, he’s also battled with injuries, having missed his entire rookie season in 2011 with a torn achilles.

In 2013, Leshoure was buried on the Lions’ running back depth chart behind Reggie Bush, Joique Bell, and Theo Riddick. As a result, he only appeared in 3 games, rushing 2 times for 9 rush yards (4.5 ypc). He was released in August of this year, as part of the Lions’ final 53-man roster cuts.

With Richardson averaging just 2.0 yards per carry over the past 3 weeks, the Colts could clearly use a boost in their running game. The 6’0″, 233 pound, Leshoure would give the Colts a bigger back to possibly help in their short-yardage and between-the-tackle running. It’s worth noting that Leshoure left the work out without a contract, so it will be interesting to see if the Colts indeed sign him to their active roster.

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Kadron Boone is a 6’0″, 202 lb, wide receiver from LSU. He was undrafted in the 2014 NFL draft and signed with the Philadelphia Eagles in May of this year before being released this past August. Later this season, he spent a week on the St. Louis Rams practice squad in late October before being released.

Ellis Lankster is a 5’9″, 190 lb, cornerback from the University of West Virginia. He was originally a 7th round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2009, but has also spent time in the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (2010) and most recently, the NFL’s New York Jets (2011-14). He was released by the Jets in late September of this year. Having appeared in 27 career games, the 5th-year veteran has 43 tackles and 2 interceptions in his career. He was 2nd-team All-Big East while at West Virginia.

Like Leshoure, neither Boone nor Lankster received an immediate contract with the Indianapolis Colts.

Aug 28, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Quron Pratt (10) and New York Jets defensive back Ellis Lankster (31) attempts to make a catch at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles won 37-7. Mandatory Credit: Derik Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports