Colts Release Veteran Running Back, Make Several Roster Cuts

With the roster deadline approaching, the Indianapolis Colts got ahead by releasing one of their more established running backs along with eight other cuts.

The Indianapolis Colts have released veteran running back Kenyan Drake to the free-agent market.

Along with letting go of one of the most established names on their offense, the team also announced that they waived veteran defensive back Teez Tabor, rookie wide receivers Tyler Adams and Kody Case, rookie offensive linemen Emil Ekiyor and Matthew Vanderslice, tight ends Nick Eubanks and Michael Jacobson, and kicker Lucas Havrisik

Releasing Drake could be viewed as a bit of a surprise given the experience that he was bringing to the running back committee. However, he didn’t provide much to the backfield with his opportunities in the preseason. 

Through three preseason contests, Drake would tally 13 carries for 36 rushing yards (2.8 avg.) as well as 3 catches for 29 yards (9.7 avg.) and a touchdown.

While the receiving numbers are a bit encouraging, the rushing numbers aren’t. Drake didn’t stand out in a room where names like Evan Hull and Deon Jackson did. With Zack Moss’ injury timeline ending soon, these could be the players for the backfield that Indianapolis rolls out with.

Also, the Jonathan Taylor fiasco has to be factored in, too. If he stays with the Colts, then there will likely be more cuts incoming for the back-end running back position. Some players could also be shifted to the practice squad. Currently, these are the names at running back on the roster:

• Jonathan Taylor (Physically Unable to Perform list)
• Zack Moss (Returning from broken arm)
• Evan Hull
• Deon Jackson
• Jake Funk
• Jason Huntley

With the deadline for final roster cuts coming at 4:00pm ET on Tuesday, it will be a position to monitor in Indianapolis. Teams have until the deadline to get from 90 players down to 53.

The Colts’ 53-man roster is starting to slowly take shape. The backfield has superstars, solid depth pieces, exciting young talent, and hungry competitors all around. These recent cuts narrow the competition to six names, with more cuts likely happening ahead of the Aug. 29 roster deadline. 

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