Originally posted on FanNation All Colts
By Jake Arthur
The Indianapolis Colts are planning to employ a committee approach at running back this season, but they’re still looking to maximize the group’s potential with outside sources.
ESPN‘s Jeremy Fowler reported that the Colts worked out free agent running back James Robinson this week, kicking the tires on a veteran who could add some experience to a group that doesn’t have much of it.
With Jonathan Taylor on the Physically Unable to Perform list (and at an impasse with the team over his contract), and backup Zack Moss having missed the last several weeks with a broken arm, the duo of Deon Jackson (two career starts) and Evan Hull (rookie) have carried most of the load for the Colts’ backfield this summer.
However, the Colts have shown a clear interest in adding another veteran to the room after offering a contract to Karem Hunt, reportedly reaching out to Melvin Gordon, and now working out Robinson.
Robinson (5’9″, 219, 25 years old) caught on quickly in the NFL despite being an undrafted free agent signing by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2020. He started all 14 games in which he appeared that year, carrying the ball 240 times for 1,070 yards (4.5 avg.) and 7 touchdowns along with 49 receptions for 344 yards (7.0 avg.) and another 3 scores.
In fact, Robinson faced the Colts in his first career game, compiling 90 yards from scrimmage in a Jacksonville victory.
Since that impressive rookie season, however, Robinson’s career has been a bit incognito. He tore an Achilles late in the 2021 season and then was traded to the New York Jets in Oct. 2022. He failed to make an impact in New York and has since spent brief stints with the New England Patriots and New York Giants.
In 39 career games (32 starts), Robinson has 514 carries for 2,262 yards (4.4 avg.) and 18 touchdowns to go with 91 catches for 617 yards (6.8 avg.) and 5 touchdowns.
The Colts are gearing up to host the Jaguars on Sunday in their regular-season opener.