The Indianapolis Colts’ rookies will report for training camp on July 21st, the veterans on July 22nd, and the first practice will take place on July 23rd.

So with training camp almost here, we will be taking a position-by-position look at the Colts‘ roster, specifically examining the one big question that faces each unit.

Advertisement

Up next are the running backs. If you missed our other preview, you can find it below.

Who earns the RB2 role for the Colts behind Jonathan Taylor?

We know that Jonathan Taylor will lead the way at this position for the Colts, but who will emerge as the secondary option?

Competing for that playing time will be free agent signee Khalil Herbert, draft pick DJ Giddens, and Tyler Goodson.

At the NFL combine, GM Chris Ballard mentioned that more production behind Taylor was needed this season. The duo of Goodson and Trey Sermon would total only 88 carries on the year and averaged under 4.0 yards per rush combined.

Advertisement

While we know that Taylor will shoulder the workload here, there is plenty of value in having a steady backup option. For one, the dropoff in play when Taylor isn’t on the field hopefully isn’t as steep.

In addition to that, if the Colts can get more reliable production, perhaps there are a few added carries here and there each week that the backup can handle, which, over the course of the season, reduces the wear and tear on Taylor.

Beyond the production on the ground, the Colts could also benefit greatly from having a pass-catching presence out of the backfield. This was an element that was missing last season and would add another dimension to this offense that defenses have to account for.

With four seasons of experience and 56 games under his belt, Herbert has experience on his side compared to Giddens and Goodson, although he is coming off his least efficient season.

Advertisement

Goodson is familiar with Shane Steichen’s offense, while Giddens provided big play potential to the Kansas State offense, averaging 6.0 yards per carry over the last two seasons, while also having some pass-catching experience.

This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Big question for Jonathan Taylor, Colts’ RBs in training camp