The Indianapolis Colts have one of the best running backs in the league but they need to shore up his backup in 2025. Until the 2024 season, the Colts were doing a great job of securing a backup running back spot behind All-Pro Jonathan Taylor. In Taylor’s first few seasons, Nyheim Hines was the RB2 before Zack Moss inherited the role. Both backs were great as they could handle 10-20 carries while being reliable on special teams. In 2024, it was a completely different story. The Colts ran with two running backs in Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson. While both are decent backs, they were better suited for being a third or flex running back, rather than a true backup.
The Colts must find a reliable backup running back, whether in free agency or the draft. Taylor is under contract for the next two seasons, but he cannot be relied upon to get 30 carries every game. He also cannot be relied upon to be healthy for every game. In the last two seasons, Taylor has missed a combined 10 games due to injury. The Colts must ensure the offense can still operate at its peak if Taylor goes down. In 2024, they were unable to do that, and that has to change in 2025.
Candidates To Be the Next Colts Backup Running Back
Kenneth Gainwell – Free Agency
Four-year veteran Kenneth Gainwell could be the missing link that the Colts are looking for in a backup running back. In 2024 with the Eagles, he was the primary backup behind Saquon Barkley. On top of those duties, he also served as a special teams specialist and made plays in the passing game. Overall, Gainwell is the whole package when it comes to a running back. He can do pretty much everything and can do it well. He handled 18 kick-off returns last season, averaged 3.9 yards per rushing attempt, and had 16 receptions.
Ollie Gordon II – NFL Draft
Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon has shown up in the Colts news as of late. As a projected mid-late round pick, Gordon could certainly fulfill the needs that the Colts would have in a backup running back. He was seventh in the Heisman voting in 2023 after leading the Big 12 in rushing touchdowns and leading the NCAA in rushing yards. His 2023 season, alone, would warrant a first-round pick. However, his 2024 season was a big disappointment as his production took a dip. On top of that, he had some off-the-field issues as he was arrested on suspicion of DUI. Despite the regressions, though, the talent is undeniable and he could very well be the steal of the NFL Draft.
Samaje Perine – Free Agency
Similar to Kenneth Gainwell, Samaje Perine is kind of a jack-of-all-trades at the running back position and would be a solid backup for the Colts. He is an older back at almost 30 years old, but he has eight years of experience. In 2024 with the Kansas City Chiefs, he was the third running back behind Isaiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt. Perine only managed 92 yards rushing but did have a 4.6 rushing average. He also had 322 receiving yards and played a bit on special teams. Perine does not have the same kind of range as Gainwell does, primarily due to his age. However, Perine can run, catch, and be a return specialist. This is the trifecta that the Colts will need in a backup running back.