Mistakes were part of the theme for the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday as they opened their preseason stretch against the New England Patriots. The Colts didn't lose, but they didn't win either, drawing even with the Patriots, 13-13. For some Colts players, it was a solid individual showing as they battle for a roster spot.Â
For others, it was a game they wish they had done much better. For Seth McGowan, a costly error could easily categorize this game as one to forget. That said, it was his very first NFL game, and rookie mistakes happen all the time.Â
However, a mistake like the one McGowan made could easily cost him, and in many normal situations, it likely would. Fortunately for the rookie, the current situation at running back for the Colts may save him from losing snaps in the next preseason game, and it's also why McGowan's chances of securing a backup spot behind Jonathan Taylor are dead.
Injuries keep the door open for Seth McGowan to secure No. 1 backup role with the Indianapolis Colts
McGowan's mistake happened in the second quarter near the goal line on a play where he appeared to cross the plane, though it was ruled a fumble. The turnover turned a possible touchdown for the Colts into a change of possession in favor of the Patriots. It was a costly turnover; the alternative could have been McGowan's first massive NFL play.Â
McGowna carried the ball five times for 17 yards on Thursday, which isn't much production or many chances, but the rookie showed his toughness and burst early. For a rookie, fumbling on the goal line could set them back, at least for the next preseason matchup. For McGowan, however, he might get another opportunity to bounce back because of the injury to DJ Giddens.Â
Colts starter Jonathan Taylor sat out, as expected, and Giddens was sidelined with a hamstring injury, which not only kept him out of the Colts' preseason game but also kept him out of their joint practices with the Patriots. Giddens' return is not known at this time, which leaves the door open for McGowan to keep pushing for a spot directly behind Taylor.Â
Despite the turnover, McGowan presumably remains the clear-cut favorite to win the Colts' backup role. Aside from his fumble, McGowan had a strong training camp, and he's shown considerably more good than bad. What might calm the waters over the fumble was that it didn't look like a fumble. In fact, it probably should have been called a touchdown.Â
In any case, because it was called a turnover, it goes on McGowan's stat sheet. Still, he's in the driver's seat for the time being, and another preseason game or two with more good than bad could punch his ticket right behind Taylor.Â
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