The Indianapolis Colts’ situation at running back has become dire. The team has no idea what the future holds for running back Jonathan Taylor, who left training camp to rehab his ankle off-site. His contract standoff likely isn’t going away any time soon as the Colts have been clear they aren’t making a long-term offer this offseason.

With Taylor not taking part in camp, it was a chance for Zack Moss to cement himself as the team’s No. 1 running back in his absence. His opportunity has been derailed after he broke his arm in practice last week.

That injury left the Colts dangerously thin in the backfield with Deon Jackson likely taking over the No. 1 role. Jackson played well in spot starts last season, but the team certainly needed to add more depth to overcome the losses.

That depth came in the form of veteran Kenyan Drake. It is an opportunity that Drake is excited about despite not yet being told what kind of role he will be playing. Nonetheless, he is ready for whatever the Cotls may throw at him as he worked hard this offseason to get into shape and find a new team to play for.

“Playing this game that I love. I worked my ass off this offseason, with no team. Got a new fire under me,” Drake texted Josina Anderson when asked about what he is looking forward to the most with his new team.

Drake spent last season with the Baltimore Ravens, appearing in 12 games after their running back depth chart was diminished by injuries. He carried the ball 109 times for 482 yards and four touchdowns, adding 17 receptions for 89 yards and one more score.

There is certainly a chance for Drake to carve out a significant role, at least in the early going, with the Colts. If Taylor’s ankle injury and contract stalemate leak into the regular season, someone is going to need to absorb touches in this backfield; especially if Moss’s broken arm isn’t healed.

Drake has shown capable of being a true dual-threat out of the backfield. A passing game role, at the very least, could await him with the Colts even when their backfield is at full strength. 

Motivated with a new fire lit under him, Drake just needed an opportunity to get on the field and he has been provided that by the Colts. Now, he just has to make the most of his chances as a potential starting job Week 1 could be up for grabs.