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Save a Horse: Keep Tyler Varga, Colts

By Luke Schultheis

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Indianapolis Colts running back Tyler Varga continued to make a strong impression on the team’s players, coaches, and front office last night against the Cincinnati Bengals in last night’s preseason finale:

The undrafted rookie running back from Yale received reps in the 2nd half of Thursday night’s game, rushing for 37 yards on 9 carries (4.1 ypc avg.), including this elusive 19-yard run in the 3rd quarter:

Not to be necessarily outdone, Varga also had a nifty 14-yard reception late in the 4th quarter, as Colts backup quarterback Bryan Bennett somehow hit him under pressure.

Sep 3, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Tyler Varga (38) runs against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sport

If the Colts elect to carry a 4th running back, Varga appears to be a strong candidate for the final spot given his ‘jack-of-all trades’ game.

It’s worth noting that primary backup Dan “Boom” Herron injured his shoulder in last night’s game and did not return. Therefore, such a move could be under serious consideration heading into next weekend’s opener, especially since another backup running back expected to make the team in Josh Robinson is coming off a concussion.

With Vick Ballard unfortunately injuring his hamstring last night, the Colts could opt to go with the healthier Varga, who has shown exceptional ability to run, catch, block, and even play special teams. 2nd-year pro Zurlon Tipton also factors into the running back equation, but he didn’t necessarily stand out in preseason to the same degree as Varga.

If nothing else, Varga already has a huge fan in Colts owner Jim Irsay, who offered high praise for the young running running back during last night’s live game broadcast:

"“Look at this young man out here,” said Irsay immediately following Varga’s aforementioned 3rd quarter 19-yard run to commentator Rick Venturi. “He is going to make it difficult for us. This guy, I mean it’s tough to see (Vick) Ballard come up with the injury tonight on the hamstring, and the way (Tyler) Varga is playing, Ryan Grigson and Chuck Pagano have some tough decisions this week to make.”“Varga really is talented,” added Irsay. “He can catch it well. He can block. And his forty-time may have hid his talent a little bit, but again in this game, you don’t need a guy who can always take it to the house. He is just an excellent football player. Great special teams player, so he’s an interesting guy and he’s really like a (Bill) Belichick guy.”"

If the Colts don’t want Varga ending up on Belichick’s New England Patriots or any other NFL team for that matter, the team may not be able to release the undrafted rookie running back and confidently expect to be able to then stash him on the team’s practice squad.

Coming off his 1st NFL touchdown last week and after last night’s solid performance, Varga’s simply left a lasting impression this preseason and should garner strong interest as a free agent around the league, should the Colts actually release him.

Fortunately for the team, if the Colts want to keep Varga on their 53-man active roster going forward, it’s solely the team’s choice to make right now and theirs alone.

Save a horse: Keep Tyler Varga, Colts. 

Next: Duron Carter's Spectacular Catch Should Solidify Roster Spot

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