When the offseason started, a case could be made that the Indianapolis Colts had one of the best running back rooms in the NFL. Jonathan Taylor, one of the top backs in the league, led the room, and Zack Moss, a very competent backup, was RB2. However, after a dramatic offseason, Taylor is opening the season on the PUP list, and Moss’ Week 1 status is uncertain after he suffered a broken arm in training camp.
While Taylor’s future with the team is largely unknown, because of his strained relationship with the organization, it’s certain that he won’t be playing in the first four games. That leaves the Colts with Deon Jackson, Evan Hull, and Zack Moss, whenever he gets healthy. However, with the season opener just days away, Indy knows it could be risky to enter the game with just two running backs.
That’s why Indianapolis has continued to show interest in free agent running backs. The team recently worked out three running backs. Among that group was veteran James Robinson.
Colts work out three running backs, including James Robinson
This, of course, comes after Indianapolis also had contact with veterans like Melvin Gordon and Kareem Hunt. Along with Robinson being added to that list are Jaret Patterson and Carlos Washington Jr. Robinson is the most experienced and productive of the trio.
After going undrafted in 2020, James Robinson landed with the Jacksonville Jaguars and ran for 1,070 yards as a rookie. In total, he’s played 39 games in the NFL, recording 2,262 rushing yards and 18 rushing touchdowns. However, he’s bounced around a bit lately, and may land with the Colts as they get things sorted out with Taylor and Moss.
While it’s unclear who will all be in the backfield for Indianapolis, it is clear that Indy won’t have a singular workhorse back like Jonathan Taylor, until he comes backs. Jackson, a healthy Moss, a rookie Hull, and whatever free agent the team signs will all likely get carries as Indy tries to find a running game.