The Indianapolis Colts knew that their backfield could be a weakness without Jonathan Taylor. Taylor was placed on the PUP List during training camp and the team didn’t activate him ahead of the regular season, meaning he would miss at least the first four weeks.
To make matters worse, his backup, Zack Moss, broke his arm the first week of training camp. He was unable to get on the field in Week 1, which left Deon Jackson, rookie Evan Hull and Jake Funk handling backfield duties.
Things went as poorly as you would have thought. Jackson managed only 14 yards on 13 carries, as the team’s leading rusher was quarterback Anthony Richardson, who gained 40 yards on 10 carries.
Hull was injured and subsequently placed on IR, leaving Jackson and Funk to lead the backfield once again should Moss not be ready to play. That has led the Colts to look to free agency for some help.
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Indianapolis has been monitoring the running back free agent market. They have been in contact with Kareem Hunt and Leonard Fournette, two players who would certainly help this backfield.
Hunt has spent the last four seasons with the Cleveland Browns as the complementary back to Nick Chubb. He struggled mightily in 2022, but many analysts believe a change of scenery would do him some good.
Fournette has spent the last three seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as their lead back. Their poor offensive line play derailed any chances he had to produce, but he has shown more than capable of being a lead back when called upon.
Both players are excellent in the passing game, whether it be as a pass catcher or blocking. That is something the Colts could certainly use more of, providing Richardson with another safety net out of the backfield.
Both are steady veterans as well and would bring a wealth of knowledge to the Colts’ roster. With a rookie head coach and rookie quarterback, some veteran leadership certainly isn’t the worst thing to add to the team.
