DJ Giddens Earns Spot in Backfield of Indianapolis Colts

As the Indianapolis Colts finalize their running back rotation ahead of the regular season, a standout emerging talent has secured his place: DJ Giddens has officially earned a spot in the team’s backfield. For Giddens, a rookie undrafted free agent out of Kansas State, this achievement marks the culmination of months of relentless work—from offseason minicamps to preseason games—where he proved he could compete alongside established veterans like Jonathan Taylor. The Colts’ backfield has long been anchored by Taylor, but Giddens’ addition brings a fresh dynamic, offering versatility and depth that the team needs to handle the rigors of a 17-game NFL season. Giddens’ journey to the Colts’ backfield is a story of resilience; he was overlooked in the draft due to concerns about his size, but he turned every practice and game into an opportunity to showcase his speed, power, and football IQ. His inclusion in the backfield isn’t just a win for Giddens—it’s a boost for the Colts, who now have a reliable backup that can step in and contribute when Taylor needs rest or if injuries arise. DJ Giddens Earns Spot in Backfield of Indianapolis Colts is more than a roster update; it’s a testament to the value of hard work and the Colts’ commitment to finding hidden talent that fits their offensive scheme.

A key factor in DJ Giddens Earns Spot in Backfield of Indianapolis Colts is his exceptional preseason performance, which left little doubt about his ability to contribute at the NFL level. Over three preseason games, Giddens rushed for 212 yards on 38 carries (an average of 5.6 yards per carry) and scored two touchdowns, including a 45-yard breakout run against the Chicago Bears that showcased his speed and ability to break tackles. What impressed the Colts’ coaching staff most wasn’t just his yardage totals, but his consistency—he averaged over 5 yards per carry in each game, even against first-team defensive units in the second half of preseason contests. Giddens also proved he’s more than just a runner; he caught 7 passes for 63 yards, demonstrating his ability to contribute in the passing game as a checkdown option for quarterback Daniel Jones. His blocking skills, often an overlooked aspect of a running back’s game, also stood out—he successfully picked up blitzes on multiple occasions, protecting Jones and allowing the offense to extend drives. For a Colts team that values versatility in its running backs, Giddens’ all-around game made him an easy choice to join the backfield. DJ Giddens Earns Spot in Backfield of Indianapolis Colts thus reflects the impact of his standout preseason, where he turned every opportunity into a chance to prove he belongs in the NFL.

Giddens’ playing style complements the Colts’ offensive scheme perfectly, making his addition to the backfield a strategic fit that enhances the team’s overall attack. The Colts run a balanced offense that relies on both power running and zone concepts, and Giddens’ skill set aligns with both. His speed (he ran a 4.48 40-yard dash at his pro day) makes him ideal for zone runs, where he can read blocks and find gaps to explode through, while his 215-pound frame gives him the power to run between the tackles in short-yardage situations—something the Colts needed to complement Taylor’s more explosive style. Giddens also excels at making defenders miss in open space, using quick cuts and a low center of gravity to evade tackles, which helps the Colts extend drives and create big plays. Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter has already noted that Giddens will be used in specific packages, including third-down situations where his pass-catching ability can create mismatches against linebackers. Unlike some running backs who specialize in one area, Giddens’ versatility allows the Colts to keep their offense unpredictable, as defenses won’t know if he’ll run, catch, or block on any given play. DJ Giddens Earns Spot in Backfield of Indianapolis Colts thus represents a strategic addition that makes the Colts’ offense more dynamic and harder to defend.

The Indianapolis Colts’ decision to add Giddens to the backfield also addresses a critical need for depth, ensuring the team can maintain its running game even if Taylor misses time due to injury or rest. In recent seasons, the Colts have struggled when Taylor was sidelined, as their backup running backs lacked the ability to replicate his production. The Indianapolis Colts recognized this vulnerability during the offseason and made it a priority to find a reliable backup—and Giddens emerged as the solution. His preseason performance proved he can handle a larger workload if needed; in the Colts’ final preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals, he carried the ball 18 times for 97 yards, showing he can stay effective even with increased touches. The Indianapolis Colts also value Giddens’ durability—he played in 48 games during his college career at Kansas State, missing just two contests, a track record that gives the coaching staff confidence he can handle the physical demands of the NFL. By adding Giddens to the backfield, the Colts have created a “1-2 punch” with Taylor and Giddens, ensuring their running game remains a strength regardless of the situation. DJ Giddens Earns Spot in Backfield of Indianapolis Colts thus fills a key need for the team, providing the depth and reliability required to compete for a playoff spot.

Another reason the Indianapolis Colts were eager to add Giddens to their backfield is his work ethic and locker room presence, traits that align with the team’s culture of accountability and teamwork. From the moment he joined the Colts as an undrafted free agent, Giddens stood out for his dedication—he was often the first player on the practice field and the last to leave, spending extra time working on his footwork with running backs coach DeAndre Smith and studying film to learn the Colts’ playbook. His humility also resonated with teammates; despite his preseason success, Giddens remained focused on improving, asking Taylor for advice on how to navigate the NFL and adapt to the Colts’ system. Taylor, who has taken Giddens under his wing, has praised his work ethic, noting that “DJ comes to work every day ready to learn, and that’s the kind of guy you want in the locker room.” The Indianapolis Colts place a high value on character, and Giddens’ willingness to put the team first and work to improve has made him a favorite among coaches and players alike. Unlike some young players who let success go to their heads, Giddens has remained grounded, focusing on how he can help the team win rather than personal stats. DJ Giddens Earns Spot in Backfield of Indianapolis Colts thus reflects the Colts’ commitment to building a team of not just talented players, but good teammates who embody the franchise’s values.

Finally, DJ Giddens Earns Spot in Backfield of Indianapolis Colts carries significant implications for the Colts’ success in the upcoming season, as his presence could be the difference between a good offense and a great one. The Colts’ running game has long been the backbone of their offense, and with Giddens joining Taylor, they now have the depth to keep the running game fresh and effective throughout the season. This will be critical in divisional matchups against teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans, who have strong run defenses—Giddens’ ability to come in and maintain production will prevent defenses from keying exclusively on Taylor. Additionally, Giddens’ pass-catching ability will open up the Colts’ passing game, as defenses will have to account for him in the flat, creating more space for wide receivers like Michael Pittman Jr. downfield. For the Indianapolis Colts, Giddens’ spot in the backfield isn’t just about having a backup—it’s about enhancing the entire offense, making it more versatile and harder to stop. As the season progresses, Giddens will likely see his role grow, especially in situations where Taylor needs rest, and his performance could help the Colts secure a playoff spot. DJ Giddens Earns Spot in Backfield of Indianapolis Colts thus marks the beginning of what could be a long and impactful NFL career, and it’s a sign that the Colts’ ability to find and develop talent will continue to be a key part of their success.