As the Indianapolis Colts inch closer to their season opening matchup with the Dolphins on Sunday, they remain without a clear No. 2 running back behind Jonathan Taylor.
The Colts made a priority of finding a change-of-pace guy to pair with Taylor this offseason, drafting DJ Giddens and signing Khalil Herbert in free agency as Tyler Goodson remained under contract.
But Herbert was released after training camp and currently sits on the practice squad. And, according to Indy’s most recent depth chart announcement, there’s nothing to separate Giddens and Goodson with Week 1 just days away.
According to the unofficial depth chart, Taylor’s backup is “Tyler Goodson OR DJ Giddens.”
Goodson, who’s been a feature of the backfield in Indianapolis for the past three seasons, is currently nursing an elbow injury which could force him to miss some time, but head coach Shane Steichen doesn’t anticipate he’ll be out long.
Giddens impressed in preseason, proving he has the juice, vision and creativity as a runner (to go with his experience as a pass catcher) to have a sizable role right away.
But Goodson’s health is a significant factor in who pulls ahead as the season moves along. If he’s not available for the Dolphins, Giddens has a great chance to impose himself and take hold of the No. 2 position.