Colts Running Back Dan ‘Boom’ Herron Signs Tender
The Indianapolis Colts announced today that exclusive rights free agent running back Dan “Boom” Herron has signed his tender. Unlike the team’s previous announcement, this news appears to be legitimate.
Nov 23, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Dan Herron (36) runs the ball during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts defeated the Jaguars 23-3. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
The 3rd-year running back seemingly revived the Colts ground game last season, when Ahmad Bradshaw suffered a season-ending ankle injury, and the now released Trent Richardson plodded his way around the team’s backfield. On the season, Herron rushed for 351 total rush yards on 78 carries and had 1 rushing touchdown.
While Trent Richardson was largely ineffective, Herron showed considerable burst and explosion and turned out to be a revelation for sustaining the resemblance of a running game. He presumably won’t be the starting running back any longer, as the team recently signed high-profile veteran running back Frank Gore. However, Herron still figures to get a handful of reps as both a change-of-pace runner and as relief to the soon-to-be 32 year old Gore.
It’s unclear whether Herron will be the primary backup to Gore when the season starts however. The Colts could still look to add a talented young running back to become the long-term answer at the position in this year’s NFL draft with Gore as more of an immediate answer.
Hopefully, the Colts backfield will be solidified with Gore’s addition, and Herron can play in more of a role that suits him best, as a change-of-pace running back, not necessarily a workhorse running back. He’ll have competition though, as young running back Vick Ballard is set to rejoin the Colts and could also factor heavily in the team’s running back equation.
Either way, it doesn’t hurt to have a player of Herron’s caliber in their backfield, who’s proven he can be an effective young running back for the Colts when given the opportunity. At age 26, Herron still has plenty of juice in his legs, and at worst, can be part of an effective running back platoon. If injuries strike again, the Colts know they can rely on Herron to shoulder a significant chunk of the load, and it also helps that he plays special teams.
Dec 7, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Dan Herron (36) runs the call during the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Colts beat the Browns 25-24. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports