Colts Work Out Running Backs Daryl Richardson and Daniel Thomas
According to NFL.com’s Adam Caplan, the Indianapolis Colts worked out a pair of veteran running backs on Tuesday, as both Ex-St. Louis Ram Daryl Richardson and Miami Dolphin Daniel Thomas were in town for a visit respectively:
RBs Daryl Richardson and Daniel Thomas worked out for the #Colts on Tuesday.
— Adam Caplan (@caplannfl) December 9, 2015
It confirms an earlier report from the Baltimore Sun’s Aaron Wilson, in which the Colts worked out 4 other players among Richardson and Thomas including recently re-signed cornerback Jalil Brown, wide receiver DeAndre Carter, defensive tackle Ricky Lumpkin, and running back LaDarius Perkins:
Colts worked out Jalil Brown, who signed, DeAndre Carter, Ricky Lumpkin, LaDarius Perkins, Daryl Richardson, Daniel Thomas
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 9, 2015
However, Richardson and Thomas are by far the biggest names on the workout list.
Aug 4, 2014; Cortland, NY, USA; New York Jets running back Daryl Richardson (35) runs with the ball during drills at training camp at SUNY Cortland. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
As a former 7th round pick of the St. Louis Rams in 2012, Richardson last appeared in the NFL in 2013, when he rushed for 215 rushing yards on 69 attempts (3.1 yards per carry average) in 8 games (3 starts).
The 5’10”, 196 pound running back from Abilene Christian has spent the past two seasons with the New York Jets and Houston Texans organizations, largely on their practice squads.
Joining him was Thomas, who was a 2nd round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2011, and rushed for 168 rushing yards on 44 carries (3.8 yards per carry average) with them last season before becoming a free agent.
The 6’1, 235 pound Thomas never quite lived up to his draft billing out of Kansas State, but proved to at least be a reliable rushing option in recent seasons. He was signed by the Chicago Bears this past offseason before being released in August as part of their final roster cuts.
While the Colts are fortunate to have Dan “Boom” Herron back to serve as Frank Gore‘s primary back, it appears that the team is still clearly kicking the tires on other running back options in order to potentially improve their backfield depth. Right now, it’s just Herron and 3rd-string running back Zurlon Tipton as their backup options.