Colts Projected to Pursue RB in Free Agency

Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine bought the idea that the Indianapolis Colts will be looking at running back free agents.

The Indianapolis Colts will open the 2023 season with Zack Moss as their starting running back. 

Of course, that's if Moss dresses. Moss is considered questionable for the opener, and if he doesn't play, the backfield responsibilities will fall to Deon Jackson and Evan Hull.

Clearly, running back depth could be an issue for the Colts this season. That's unless Indianapolis repairs its relationship with Jonathan Taylor, but even then, Taylor will miss the first four games at minimum because he's on the PUP list.

Therefore, in a "last-minute" buy or sell exercise, Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine bought the idea that the Colts will pursue a running back in free agency early during the 2023 season.

Ballentine even suggested one possibility that ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported has already visited Indianapolis this offseason -- James Robinson.

"Whether it's Robinson or another one of the capable backs that remains without a team, it would make a lot of sense for the Colts to add another back to their ranks," Ballentine wrote. "Robinson had a great rookie season in which he had 1,414 total yards with 10 touchdowns in 2020.

"That's more than any of their current backs have accomplished. With Anthony Richardson set to make his first start on Sunday, he'll need as much help as he can get with a strong running game."

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Robinson also had 767 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns during his second season in 2021. But the question surrounding Robinson is his health.

The New England Patriots signed Robinson to a two-year, $8 million deal this offseason. Then on June 12, the Patriots released him because he failed a physical, which nullified the contract agreement.

Robinson spent time with the New York Giants in training camp, but he failed to make their final roster.

If not Robinson, though, there are other veteran running backs still available in free agency for the Colts. Leonard Fournette and Kareem Hunt are the two biggest names along with Mark Ingram and Giovani Bernard.

J.D. McKissic is another interesting possibility if the Colts prefer a pass-catching back (Bernard has been good at that as well in his career).

Perhaps how Week 1 goes will determine whether an immediate addition is needed in Indianapolis' backfield and what role that potential addition will serve.

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