One of the training camp competitions to watch unfold this summer for the Indianapolis Colts will be how playing time shakes out at that backup running back position behind Jonathan Taylor.

This is a spot that GM Chris Ballard mentioned needing more production from in 2025. So, during the offseason, he reshaped the back-end of the running back room by signing Khalil Herbert in free agency and then drafting DJ Giddens. Those two will join Tyler Goodson in competing for playing time and roster spots.

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Pro Football Focus recently put together its projected starting lineup for the 2025 Colts, and in that backup running back role was Herbert.

A former sixth-round pick by Chicago in 2021, Herbert has averaged an impressive 4.8 yards per carry over his 400 career rushing attempts with nine touchdowns. During this past season, he was traded to Cincinnati during the year and averaged just 3.6 yards per rush overall in 2024, according to PFF.

Giddens brings some added big-play burst to the Colts’ backfield. He rushed for over 2,500 yards during his final two college seasons, which includes averaging 6.5 yards per rush in 2024, along with ranking sixth in average yards after contact and 20th in missed tackles forced. Giddens also had the 15th most rushes of 10-plus yards.

“It’s competition, for sure,” Giddens said during rookie minicamp, via Horseshoe Huddle. “Everybody coming in — I’m coming in to start — that’s what everybody’s mindset is. But whatever it is, I’m gonna keep working, so I’m not trippin’.

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“That’s just how I am. I just ain’t scared of competition. I’ll play my role, and as long as I’m making an impact on the team, that’s all that matters.”

In terms of upside, potential, and long-term impact, Giddens is going to have the advantage over Herbert in that regard. But for any rookie, there is going to be a learning curve that comes with making the jump to the NFL, both in terms of adjusting to the play speed, and also learning a new offense.

So, at this stage of the offseason, where the Colts are now just getting onto the field for team drills during OTAs–although the pads still aren’t on–PFF selecting Herbert, the veteran, to win that job is probably the safe bet.

With that said, along with more production from the backs behind Taylor, the Colts’ offense could benefit from a pass-catching presence out of the backfield, something they didn’t have last season, and that is an area where Giddens could carve out a role, given his college experience and production.

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On paper, there is going to be a No. 2 running back, but I would guess that both Herbert and Giddens get some opportunities this season. Taylor will still shoulder the workload, but the Colts could take a by-committee approach behind him.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Khalil Herbert of DJ Giddens? PFF projects Colts’ backup RB for 2025