Figuring out the Colts’ Running Back Situation

The Colts drafted two running backs and have two other backs on the roster, so how will the playing time get split up?

Marlon Mack was the stand out rookie on the offense last year. He seemed to be the starter once the Colts let go of Frank Gore. But now Indy drafted Nyheim Hines and Jordan Wilkins, and still have Robert Turbin on the roster as well. Who gets playing time and who doesn’t?

Mack should still be the starter. He has the most experience with the team and showed flashes of brilliance last season. He could be one of the focal points of the offense. But he is not a three down back.

Hines seems to be next in line for carries. He plays a lot like Mack and can be used out of the backfield to catches passes on third down. Turbin will also get carries in short yardage and goal line situations. He had 7 rushing touchdowns two years ago and got most of those in goal line situations.

That leaves Wilkins, Josh Ferguson, and Christine Michael to fight for playing time and perhaps a roster spot. Ferguson seems to be a special teams guy, so he will probably keep a spot for that alone.

Michael seems to be the odd man out. He is the oldest back, and didn’t even play a snap for the Colts last season after getting hurt in the off-season. It would be surprising to see him still on the roster when the season starts.

Next: Colts Sign Undrafted Rookie WR Kayaune Ross, Waive WR Listenbee

Wilkins will have time to impress the coaching staff in training camp to fight for playing time. But most of the playing time will be shared among Mack, Hines, and Turbin, with Ferguson playing a special teams role.