Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Zurlon Tipton (37) against the Denver Broncos in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Other Options at Running Back
Tipton is an exclusive rights free agent in 2015, meaning that he can only sign with the Colts, provided they extend him an offer. He didn’t see the field very much this season as he was buried on the depth chart.
He had 10 carries in the regular season for 18 yards but almost doubled that in the playoffs with 18 carries for 68 yards and a touchdown.
Tipton doesn’t offer the Colts much at the position but expect him to be another camp body due to his familiartiy with the team.
Aug 24, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Vick Ballard (33) turns upfield during a game against the Cleveland Browns at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports
Many have forgotten about Ballard because he hasn’t seen the field since the start of the 2013 season. He’s basically missed the past two seasons with ACL injuries, both occurring during practice.
Ballard’s salary in 2015 in $660,000 and he’s still on his rookie contract. He’ll count for just under $700,000 against the cap with his signing bonus. Those numbers mean that he’ll be on the Colts next season, but the issue will be can he stay healthy.
He averaged just under four yards per carry in 2012, Ballard’s rookie season. He also had a solid outing in 2013’s regular season opener. He would tear his ACL a few days later. The worst part of that injury is that it led to the Richardson trade.
Running back is the biggest question mark on the Colts roster in 2015. It wouldn’t be surprising if Ryan Grigson used a draft pick on a running back (and as long as that isn’t his first pick, that’s fine).