Colts to Work Out New Running Back

The Indianapolis Colts are looking into more running back help after defeating the Dolphins.

Dec 27, 2023; San Diego, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Austin Jones (6) carries the ball against the Louisville Cardinals in the second half of the Holiday Bowl at Petco Park. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Indianapolis Colts are hosting running back Austin Jones for a workout on Monday (per @Justin M_NFL | X).

The #Colts are working out former USC RB Austin Jones tomorrow, per source.

Jones totaled 2,337 yards + 27 TDs while averaging 4.7 YPC at USC/Stanford.

Colts have been shorthanded at the position in recent weeks.

— Justin M (@JustinM_NFL) October 20, 2024

Jones, 23, spent his college career at USC and Stanford for five seasons. The Colts reportedly expressed interest in him before the 2024 NFL Draft but opted not to make a move for him. Jones spent the summer with the Washington Commanders before getting cut.

In his final year at USC, Jones totaled 496 yards on 83 touches. For Indianapolis, his numbers and play style sparked interest in finding him a place on the team. The backfield is obviously run by Jonathan Taylor but a high ankle sprain to the Colts star has the team thinking about backup options.

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With Taylor sidelined, Indy's backfield has been put in the hands of Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson over the past two weeks. In the team's victory over the Miami Dolphins, Sermon recorded eight carries for 36 yards and Goodson tallied 14 carries for 51 yards and a touchdown.

2019-2023 “Every down back” 🏁⌚️

2,337 rushing yards 24 tds
881 receiving yards 3tds pic.twitter.com/0J8yHg8pvR

— Austin Jones❄️ (@rockwitaust) January 5, 2024

Both current backs have been with the team for some time, so it's unlikely Jones would get the nod if he's signed. The Colts are heading into a big divisional game against the Houston Texans and could take over the top spot in the AFC South with a win.

Indy has two more running backs on their practice squad, Trent Pennix and Salvon Ahmed. Jones will have to earn his spot on the Colts' roster.

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