Colts breakout candidates: Running backs

In this series, we look for breakout candidates at every position group. Today we focus in on the running backs, which is a very talented group.

Late last year, the running backs really took over the offense. Marlon Mack in particular was really running the ball well. He set a franchise playoff record with his rushing total against the Texans. He is truly one of the great playmakers on this offense. But he’s not the breakout candidate.

The breakout candidate for this position group is actually the newest Colt of the group. That man is Spencer Ware. Ware spent the previous three years of his career in Kansas City. Chris Ballard was part of the group that brought him in, so there’s familiarity there.

Ware will be the primary backup to Mack this season. Ware has the ability to start as well, as he did so for 14 games in 2016 when Jamaal Charles was hurt. Ware won’t wow anyone with breakaway speed or long runs, but he is very consistent.

Another big reason Ware has breakout potential is his receiving ability. He is an excellent receiver out of the backfield, and we know how much Frank Reich loves to target running backs in the passing game. Adding another weapon to do so is nice for Andrew Luck to have.

Ware won’t get a ton of opportunities unless Mack goes down with an injury again. But if that does happen, the Colts will be comfortable with Ware taking the reins. He is more than capable of holding down the fort until Mack would get back from injury.

Expect Ware to do good things while he is out there. He adds to the depth of this group and makes the offense even more scary.