Honestly, if you’re looking at the Indianapolis Colts running backs room right now, it’s easy to just say "Jonathan Taylor" and move on. He’s the engine. He’s the guy who just wrapped up a 2025 campaign where he led the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns. But if you’ve actually watched this team over the last few seasons, you know the story is way more complicated than one superstar carrying the rock.
The Colts finished 2025 at 8-9. It was a weird, frustrating year. They started 8-2 and then basically fell off a cliff, losing seven straight. Why? Injuries to guys like Daniel Jones (who was under center for most of the year before an Achilles tear) and defensive anchors didn't help, but the run game's efficiency cratered when the defense didn't have to respect a mobile threat.
Jonathan Taylor is still the King (But for how long?)
Taylor is 26. In NFL years, that's nearing the "we should start worrying" territory for a high-volume back, yet he’s still putting up MVP-caliber numbers. Last season, he racked up 1,585 yards on the ground. That’s insane production.
He’s the bell cow. Shane Steichen has been vocal about it, calling him the focal point of everything they do. But here’s the thing: Taylor’s usage is heavy. He had 323 carries last year. When the Colts were winning early in the season, he was averaging nearly 5 yards a pop. During that late-season collapse, that number dipped to 3.3 yards per attempt.
- 2025 Stats: 1,585 yards, 18 rushing TDs, 46 receptions.
- The Problem: The "finish." Chris Ballard, the GM, has been hammering this point home. The Colts haven't "finished" seasons well for four years straight.
- The Mileage: Taylor has over 7,500 career rushing yards now. The treads are starting to show a little wear, even if the top-end speed is still there.
The "Other Guys" and the Depth Issue
This is where it gets kind of dicey. Last year, the drop-off after Taylor was... well, it was a cliff. Tyler Goodson and Trey Sermon (who is now with the Steelers) were supposed to provide relief. They didn't. In 2024, the backup production was so low that Ballard basically admitted in the 2025 offseason they needed to find "another Zack Moss."
They tried to solve that by drafting DJ Giddens out of Kansas State. Giddens is a big, physical runner, but as a rookie, he only got 26 carries. He showed flashes, but Steichen clearly didn't trust him to take the load off Taylor in crunch time. Then you have Ameer Abdullah, who’s basically a specialist at this point in his career. He’s 32. He’s reliable for a catch out of the backfield or a special teams return, but he isn’t the guy you want spelling Taylor for two series in the second quarter.
The 2025 Backup Production Gap
When Taylor missed time or needed a breather, the offense sputtered. We saw Tyler Goodson struggle with injuries (ankle and groin) throughout the 2025 season, limiting him to just 24 rushing yards. That's not a typo. Twenty-four.
The lack of a true #2 back meant that when the Colts faced stacked boxes—especially after Daniel Jones went down and the statuesque Philip Rivers (yeah, he came back for a bit) or the rookie Riley Leonard took over—Taylor was running into a brick wall.
Shane Steichen’s Philosophy: "Run to Win"
Steichen has this mantra: "Throw to score, run to win." It sounds cool. It usually works. But it requires the Indianapolis Colts running backs to be more than just athletes; they have to be pass protectors and receiving threats.
Taylor actually stepped up his receiving game last year, hauling in 46 catches. That’s a career high. But is that really what you want? Your star back taking extra hits in the flat because there isn't a reliable 3rd-down specialist?
The Quarterback Connection
The Colts' run game looks completely different depending on who is taking the snap.
- With a mobile QB (Daniel Jones/Anthony Richardson): The RPO (Run-Option) game thrives. Defenders have to freeze. Taylor gets lanes.
- With a pocket passer (Rivers): The defense pins its ears back. Taylor gets hit three yards behind the line of scrimmage.
Ballard mentioned recently that having a mobile threat "opens up the game" for the backs. It’s why the team is so high on getting Daniel Jones back healthy for 2026. If the QB can’t run, the running backs are basically sacrificial lambs.
What Most People Get Wrong About This Room
People think the Colts are "set" at running back because they have Taylor. They aren't. They are one ankle sprain away from a total offensive meltdown.
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Evan Hull, who was a big hope a couple of years ago, hasn't really carved out that "Nyheim Hines" role people expected. He’s been more of a "guy on the roster" than a game-changer. And Tyler Goodson? He’s got speed, but the "drop" in that 2023 Texans game still haunts the narrative around him, even if it’s a bit unfair.
The reality is that the Colts need a "1B" back. Someone who can carry the ball 10 times a game and actually gain 4.5 yards per carry. Not 2.5.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Offseason
The 2026 offseason is going to be a turning point. Ballard is under a lot of pressure. Owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon said the urgency has "never been higher."
You can bet they’ll look at the draft or a mid-tier free agent to bolster the room. They need someone who can pass protect so Taylor doesn't have to play 85% of the snaps. It’s about longevity. If you want Jonathan Taylor to be productive in 2027 and 2028, you have to stop using him like a rental car in 2026.
Actionable Insights for Colts Fans and Analysts:
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- Watch the Backup Competition: Keep a close eye on DJ Giddens in the 2026 preseason. If he doesn't take a massive leap, the Colts are in trouble if Taylor gets nicked up.
- The QB Factor: The efficiency of the running game will be 100% tied to the health of the quarterback. If Daniel Jones (or whoever starts) can't threaten the edge, Taylor's YPC will stay under 4.0.
- Draft Strategy: Expect the Colts to target a "power" back or a dedicated pass-catcher in the mid-to-late rounds of the 2026 Draft to finally replace the production they lost when Zack Moss left.
The Indianapolis Colts running backs situation is a paradox. It features one of the best individual players in the league, yet the unit as a whole is remarkably fragile. Fix the depth, and you might finally see this team finish a December without a total collapse.