Running Back Corps Locked In: Indianapolis Colts Roster Taylor, Giddens, Goodson

In the NFL, a reliable running back corps is often the backbone of a balanced offense, and for the Indianapolis Colts, the 2024 season has seen them solidify one of the league’s most dynamic and deep groups at the position. With Jonathan Taylor, Zack Moss Giddens, and Deon Jackson Goodson all locked into the roster, the Colts have built a unit that combines speed, power, and versatility—capable of adapting to any defensive scheme and keeping opponents off-balance. Running Back Corps Locked In: Indianapolis Colts Roster Taylor, Giddens, Goodson is more than a roster note; it’s a testament to the Colts’ strategic approach to building their offense, prioritizing a strong running game to complement their passing attack and control the tempo of games. Earlier in the season, questions lingered about the depth of the Colts’ backfield after Taylor’s injury scare, but Giddens and Goodson stepped up, proving they could handle significant snaps and contribute to game-winning drives. Now, with all three healthy and firing on all cylinders, the Colts’ running back corps has become a key weapon in their push for a playoff spot, turning close games into wins and giving opposing defenses nightmares.

Running Back Corps Locked In: Indianapolis Colts Roster Taylor, Giddens, Goodson shines brightest in the unique strengths each player brings to the field, creating a complementary trio that covers every aspect of the running back position. Jonathan Taylor, the veteran leader of the group, is a power runner with elite speed—capable of breaking through tackles for 20-yard gains and wearing down defenses over four quarters. His 4.39 40-yard dash speed paired with his 226-pound frame makes him a rare combination of brute force and agility, and this season, he’s already rushed for over 1,100 yards and 8 touchdowns, re-establishing himself as one of the top running backs in the league. Zack Moss Giddens, the second-year player, is a change-of-pace back with exceptional receiving skills, often lining up in the slot or as a pass-catcher out of the backfield to create mismatches with linebackers. Giddens has hauled in 35 receptions for 300 yards this season, providing quarterback Gardner Minshew II with a reliable check-down option and adding a new dimension to the Colts’ passing game. Deon Jackson Goodson, the third-string back, is a utility player who excels in short-yardage situations and special teams, using his low center of gravity to push through defensive lines for crucial first downs. Together, these three players form a complete running back corps that can attack defenses in multiple ways, making the Colts’ offense one of the most unpredictable in the AFC.

Running Back Corps Locked In: Indianapolis Colts Roster Taylor, Giddens, Goodson also stands out for the seamless chemistry between the three players, a rarity in NFL backfields where competition for snaps can often create tension. Instead of viewing each other as rivals, Taylor, Giddens, and Goodson have embraced their roles, supporting each other on and off the field and working together to make the team better. Taylor, for example, has taken Giddens and Goodson under his wing, sharing his knowledge of defensive schemes and game preparation—helping the younger players adjust to the speed and physicality of the NFL. Giddens and Goodson, in turn, have brought energy and enthusiasm to the group, pushing Taylor to stay sharp in practice and challenging him to improve his own game. This camaraderie was on full display in a Week 12 win against the Tennessee Titans, where Taylor rushed for 120 yards, Giddens caught 5 passes for 45 yards, and Goodson scored a crucial short-yardage touchdown—all contributing to a 24-17 victory. The Indianapolis Colts recognize that this chemistry is just as important as the players’ physical talents, as it allows the coaching staff to rotate running backs without disrupting the flow of the offense, keeping all three fresh and effective throughout the game.

Running Back Corps Locked In: Indianapolis Colts Roster Taylor, Giddens, Goodson has been a game-changer in the Colts’ ability to control the clock and limit opposing offenses—a critical factor in their recent win streak. In NFL games, time of possession is often a deciding factor, and the Colts’ running back corps has helped them rank in the top 5 in the league in this category, averaging over 32 minutes of possession per game. Taylor’s ability to grind out yards in the fourth quarter, Giddens’ knack for picking up first downs on third-and-short, and Goodson’s reliability in special teams all contribute to this success. For example, in a Week 14 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Colts held the ball for 38 minutes, using a mix of Taylor’s power runs and Giddens’ screen passes to keep the Jaguars’ defense on the field and their offense on the sidelines. This not only prevented the Jaguars from mounting a comeback but also reduced the wear and tear on the Colts’ defense, which has struggled with injuries this season. The Indianapolis Colts’ coaching staff has leaned heavily on this running back corps in close games, trusting them to make the plays needed to secure victories—and so far, they’ve delivered, turning the backfield into a cornerstone of the team’s success.

Running Back Corps Locked In: Indianapolis Colts Roster Taylor, Giddens, Goodson has also proven to be a versatile asset in the Colts’ red-zone offense, where scoring opportunities are precious and every yard counts. Taylor, with his power and ability to break tackles, is the Colts’ go-to option for goal-line touchdowns, using his strength to push through defensive lines for 1-yard scores. This season, he’s scored 6 of his 8 touchdowns in the red zone, ranking among the league leaders in that category. Giddens, meanwhile, is a threat in the red zone as a pass-catcher, using his speed to slip past linebackers and into the end zone for short receiving touchdowns. He’s scored 3 touchdowns this season on red-zone receptions, providing the Colts with a different look when defenses stack the box to stop Taylor. Goodson, though he sees fewer red-zone snaps, is a reliable option in short-yardage situations, often coming in on third-and-1 or fourth-and-1 to pick up the necessary yardage and keep drives alive. Together, these three players have helped the Colts rank in the top 10 in red-zone touchdown percentage this season, converting 63% of their red-zone trips into scores. The Indianapolis Colts know that success in the red zone is often the difference between winning and losing, and their running back corps has become a key weapon in this critical phase of the game.

Running Back Corps Locked In: Indianapolis Colts Roster Taylor, Giddens, Goodson concludes with the long-term value this unit brings to the Colts’ franchise, extending beyond the 2024 season. Taylor, who signed a contract extension last offseason, is locked in with the Colts for the next five years, providing stability and leadership to the backfield. Giddens, a second-round draft pick in 2023, is under contract for three more seasons, giving the Colts a young, developing talent who can grow alongside the team’s offense. Goodson, though a free agent after this season, has proven his worth as a utility player, making him a likely candidate for a contract extension—especially given his contributions on special teams and in short-yardage situations. Beyond their individual contracts, the trio’s ability to work together and adapt to the Colts’ offensive scheme makes them a valuable asset for years to come, as the team looks to build a sustained contender in the AFC. Running Back Corps Locked In: Indianapolis Colts Roster Taylor, Giddens, Goodson is a story of strategic roster building, player development, and teamwork—a story that will continue to unfold as the Colts push for a playoff spot this season and beyond. For the Colts, this running back corps isn’t just a group of players; it’s the heart of their offense, and a key reason why they’re poised to compete for championships in the near future.