With Jonathan Taylor out until Week 5, the struggling Deon Jackson, and the injuries to Zack Moss and now Evan Hull, the cupboard for the Indianapolis Colts is quite bare currently. Jackson led a running back committee that did not live up to expectations. Jackson finished with 13 carries for 14 yards and had two lost fumbles. Hull left the game with a knee injury that head coach Shane Steichen believes he will miss some time. The status of Zack Moss is unknown, as he is in the final stages of recovery from a broken arm suffered in training camp.
So, the Colts are left with quite a predicament. Either start Jackson again and hope it was just a bad day at the office or hope that Jake Funk can fill the role leading a running back by committee if Moss is not ready to go next week. Even if Moss is ready to play, I doubt he will be ready for a full workload. Let’s look at some names in free agency the Colts might consider as a stop gap until Taylor returns in Week 5.
Free agent running backs Colts could sign
Kenyan Drake
A name familiar to the Colts during the preseason as he was released at the 53-man roster cuts. Kenyan Drake has the experience and familiarity with the Colts playbook to step in and assist with filling in for even a short period of time. Drake did see some time in Baltimore last season and even started five games for them. With the injury to Ravens starting RB JK Dobbins, you might hear his name rumored to be back with them in a similar fill-in role for them as well.
Kareem Hunt
Another name familiar to Colts fans this offseason, as he was brought in for a workout and there was rumored to be a contract offered to him. Enough to get him to not sign with the New Orleans Saints at first, but nothing was obviously agreed upon. Kareem Hunt is a proven running back in this league and could easily step in and have an impact.
James Robinson
The former Jaguars, Jets, Patriots and Giants running back could be an option here for the Colts. He was brought in for a workout last week after 53-man roster cuts were made. After a solid rookie campaign in Jacksonville that saw him accrue nearly 1,400 all-purpose yards, however an Achilles injury towards the end of 2021 seems to have brough his career to a screeching halt. He has never latched onto another franchise for more than a full season and has failed physicals since the injury. If he could be healthy in spurts, he might be able to be nothing more than a rotational back as this would most likely be his last opportunity.
Leonard Fournette
This is a long shot but could be considered under one condition. That condition would be if Taylor is not coming back in Week 5 or is about to be traded or the trade is imminent. While Fournette is most likely waiting for a prominent running back injury, he might jump at an opportunity to help a young team as his career progresses. He has the experience and ability to lead a running back room. He can also catch the ball out of the backfield which makes him that versatile running back that Steichen is looking for on this team.