As a running back — even a backup one — 14 carries for 60 yards in 13 games is virtually unnoticeable. and easily looked over. That's one game's worth of workload for many NFL running backs on a Sunday afternoon, but those were Ameer Abdullah's rushing numbers in 13 games last season.
The 10-year veteran was slated behind Jonathan Taylor on the Indianapolis Colts' depth chart, so that certainly had a lot to do with Abdullah's low usage rate — Taylor is a workhorse if there ever was one. But despite Abdullah's barely visible numbers, that doesn't mean he wasn't useless.
After his only season in Indianapolis, so far, anyway, Abdullah will head to the free agent market, where he will get picked up by someone, but it might be the better fit if he returned to the Colts. All the same, it might be better for the Colts to re-sign Abdullah and bank on the other things he contributes that don't come on the offensive side of the ball.
Ameer Abdullah provides the Indianapolis Colts with a stable jolt on special teams
What Abdullah doesn't provide for the Colts from the backfield on offense, he makes up for in the return game. On special teams, Abdullah was one of the league's top kickoff returners, averaging the fifth-most yards per return. He averaged 29.6 yards per return, which is not bad for a 10-year vet.
For his kick return production on special teams alone, the Colts could consider re-signing Abdullah, but Ashton Dulin might get in the way of that. Dulin is listed as a wide receiver on the Colts' depth chart, but was also used on special teams to return kicks. His numbers were better than Abdullah's, though, averaging 32.3 yards per return, good for second-most in the league.
Anthony Gould, the Colts' other kick return man, averaged 25.9 yards per return, significantly fewer than Abdullah. So while Dulin might threaten Abdullah's spot on the roster, his age (33) could also be a hindrance if the Colts decide to go with youth over experience.
Nevertheless, last season, Abdullah proved he has much left in the tank and produces solid output when his number gets called. While the Colts' philosophy this offseason is to get younger and faster, what Abdullah brings to the table is steadiness and reliability as a returner and a veteran presence with the running backs.
On top of that, Abdullah wouldn't cost much if the Colts brought him back on a one-year deal, even. His projected contract value next season is around the $1-1.5 million mark, and the Colts can easily afford that.