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INDIANAPOLIS — Khalil Herbert faces a little bit of uncertainty in Indianapolis.
The Colts already have a clear No. 1 running back in Jonathan Taylor, a “bell cow” that Shane Steichen has already shown he will use whenever Taylor is available and ready to go.
The possibility also remains that Herbert faces competition for the backup role behind Taylor. NFL draft analysts agree that the 2025 class is one of the deepest groups of running backs the league has evaluated in years, making it likely that Indianapolis could pick up competition for Herbert in April.
“I don’t really know how it’s going to go. Obviously, that’s up to the coaches,” Herbert said. “Being available, being the guy who’s able to carry the load if something happens.”
But there was plenty to like about the opportunity in Indianapolis.
First and foremost, the Colts are going to run the ball. Indianapolis finished eighth in the NFL in rushing last season behind 1,431 yards from Taylor and 499 yards from quarterback Anthony Richardson, whose presence tends to create holes for running backs.
Daniel Jones, the quarterback the Colts signed to compete with Richardson, is an excellent runner in his own right, making it likely that Indianapolis uses the threat of the quarterback run with either player on the field.
All of those factors make it likely there will be plenty of carries to go around.
“That’s an easy selling point,” Herbert said. “Definitely a team that runs the ball well, uses a lot of the guys in the room.”
Herbert is coming off the first real setback of his NFL career, falling out of favor in Chicago after rushing for almost 1,800 yards in his first three seasons with the Bears.
Indianapolis represents an opportunity to reestablish himself as a key part of an NFL running back rotation, and Herbert believes he could fill a lot of roles for the Colts, who often need a player with ability to play in the passing game behind Taylor.
“I feel like I can do everything,” Herbert said. “Short yardage. Outside, inside zone, I feel like I’ve been part of offenses that have done it all. Catching the ball out of the backfield, pass pro, I feel like I’ve been asked to do it all and do it well.”
Taylor’s backups in 2024, Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson, did not take full advantage of the chances they got when Taylor was out with a high ankle sprain, prompting the Colts to look for outside upgrades this offseason.
Herbert’s the first investment the Colts have made in the position.
“Man, they didn't really have to sell me on much,” Herbert said. “I like what they’re doing here. I like the opportunity that's here.”
It’s up to Herbert to make the most of it.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Khalil Herbert eager to play in run-heavy offense as Colts’ new RB
Continue reading...
The Colts already have a clear No. 1 running back in Jonathan Taylor, a “bell cow” that Shane Steichen has already shown he will use whenever Taylor is available and ready to go.
The possibility also remains that Herbert faces competition for the backup role behind Taylor. NFL draft analysts agree that the 2025 class is one of the deepest groups of running backs the league has evaluated in years, making it likely that Indianapolis could pick up competition for Herbert in April.
“I don’t really know how it’s going to go. Obviously, that’s up to the coaches,” Herbert said. “Being available, being the guy who’s able to carry the load if something happens.”
But there was plenty to like about the opportunity in Indianapolis.
First and foremost, the Colts are going to run the ball. Indianapolis finished eighth in the NFL in rushing last season behind 1,431 yards from Taylor and 499 yards from quarterback Anthony Richardson, whose presence tends to create holes for running backs.
Daniel Jones, the quarterback the Colts signed to compete with Richardson, is an excellent runner in his own right, making it likely that Indianapolis uses the threat of the quarterback run with either player on the field.
All of those factors make it likely there will be plenty of carries to go around.
“That’s an easy selling point,” Herbert said. “Definitely a team that runs the ball well, uses a lot of the guys in the room.”
Herbert is coming off the first real setback of his NFL career, falling out of favor in Chicago after rushing for almost 1,800 yards in his first three seasons with the Bears.
Indianapolis represents an opportunity to reestablish himself as a key part of an NFL running back rotation, and Herbert believes he could fill a lot of roles for the Colts, who often need a player with ability to play in the passing game behind Taylor.
“I feel like I can do everything,” Herbert said. “Short yardage. Outside, inside zone, I feel like I’ve been part of offenses that have done it all. Catching the ball out of the backfield, pass pro, I feel like I’ve been asked to do it all and do it well.”
Taylor’s backups in 2024, Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson, did not take full advantage of the chances they got when Taylor was out with a high ankle sprain, prompting the Colts to look for outside upgrades this offseason.
Herbert’s the first investment the Colts have made in the position.
“Man, they didn't really have to sell me on much,” Herbert said. “I like what they’re doing here. I like the opportunity that's here.”
It’s up to Herbert to make the most of it.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Khalil Herbert eager to play in run-heavy offense as Colts’ new RB
Continue reading...
