The Indianapolis Colts don't have too many questions on offense about roster spots and who starts versus who doesn’t, which is good momentum to carry throughout this offseason. Although a few depth chart position battles are ongoing at wide receiver and running back.
Whether Ashton Dulin, Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, or Deion Burks wins the third wideout spot behind Alec Pierce and Josh Downs is still in question. The same can be said for who will back up Jonathan Taylor at running back: DJ Giddens or the recently drafted Seth McGowan.
The Colts will have to choose Taylor's backup correctly because, unlike at wide receiver, where there are several years of experience with depth players, the lack of NFL experience between Giddens and McGowan is extremely limited. For this reason, the Colts may lean heavily on Taylor next season, but head coach Shane Steichen is wary of the situation and is currently weighing Taylor's workload.
Indianapolis Colts HC Shane Steichen knows Jonathan Taylor's value but hopes not to burn him out next season
Leaning heavily on Taylor isn't exactly something the Colts aren’t used to. Last season, Taylor racked up his second-most carries in a single season in his career (323); his highest was during the 2021-2022 season (332). Taylor also rushed for the second-highest number in yards (1,585) and touchdowns (18) in his career.
Taylor's workload last season was certainly up there, but it had to be after Daniel Jones ruptured his right Achilles tendon mid-season last year. Taylor was already tearing the league up before that unfortunate happenstance, but he was leaned on even more afterward. The Colts needed him, but they'll need him again next season. The question is: just how much?
With Jones expected to start in Week 1, and Pierce, Downs, and Tyler Warren rounding out the Colts' pass-catching trio, the offense will be well-balanced. There should be no surprise if Steichen and Colts offensive coordinator hone in on the passing attack.
So, what about Taylor? Of course, the Colts will run him, but Steichen recently offered his thoughts on what Taylor's workload will look like, pointing to the Pro Bowl rusher leading the league in carries last year.
“I think he led the league last year in carries, but talking to him after the season, he said he felt good," Steichen said earlier in the offseason. "But yeah, obviously he's a hell of a player. It's hard to take him off the field when he's running so good, but getting Seth (McGowan) in the fold and DJ [Giddens] and see how those guys come along in training camp, and we'll go from there.”
The best thing for the Colts' offense and Taylor's legs might be to aim for the 250-300 range next season. It's not that Taylor is incapable of posting another 300-plus-carry campaign; it's what's more beneficial for the offense and Taylor's health. The last thing Steichen should want is to burn his premier running back out.
Steichen also mentioned McGowan and Giddens; Giddens carried the football just 26 times in his rookie season, and McGowan will be a rookie this season. There's not much mileage or experience behind Taylor. If Taylor nears the 300-carry mark again, it will be for that reason most likely.
That said, Steichen should nevertheless be mindful of Taylor's usage, especially given it's a contract year for Taylor, and no extension has been worked out yet.
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