Just when you thought the Indianapolis Colts were set at running back, GM Chris Ballard pulls another rabbit – Phillip Lindsay – out of his hat.
The Colts signed Lindsay, a one-time Pro Bowl running back with the Denver Broncos in 2018, on Tuesday.
Let’s break down how he will help the Horseshoe in 2022.
He Can Boost Indy’s Special Teams
Lindsay had two consecutive 1,000-plus yard seasons in his two first NFL campaigns in the Mile High City.
However, that seems like eons ago.
Lindsay sustained a toe injury in 2020 and has been a shadow of his old self since.
Could Ballard and co. somehow revive his once-promising NFL career?
Let’s hope so – it seems thriving in special teams will help Lindsay do just that.
Regarding the Colts’ signing of former Broncos 1,000-yard rusher Phillip Lindsay, here’s what matters: Lindsay will need to be a factor on special teams to make the roster/be active on game days. It was not playing on special teams that led to Marlon Mack’s inactivity last season
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) May 17, 2022
It isn’t hard imagining Lindsay helping the Colts as a kick and punt returner in 2022.
We’re talking about a player who hasn’t fumbled in 56 career NFL games.
When healthy, he can also make defenders miss – opponents recorded 65 missed tackles against him during his first two years in the NFL.
Lindsay’s sure hands and shiftiness can help Indy gain valuable field position especially in crunch time.
Lindsay Adds Valuable Depth At Running Back
Lindsay also adds valuable depth to Indy’s running back corps.
Signing a veteran running back makes sense considering Marlon Mack signed with the Houston Texans in the offseason.
At first glance, Lindsay figures to be in the same situation as Mack – he won’t get much playing time at running back since Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines are the Colts’ 1-2 punch at that position.
However, his acquisition could pave the way for Hines’ role to change in 2022.
Colts head coach Frank Reich could make Lindsay Taylor’s chief backup at running back.
Hines could take on a bigger role as a hybrid running back and slot receiver for the Colts.
Based on Hines’ career pass-catching production, he can rack up 60 receptions and 400 receiving yards in a season.
Hines should thrive in a system with new quarterback Matt Ryan on board.
Ryan has relied heavily on his running backs in pass-catching situations during his previous 14-year tenure with the Atlanta Falcons.
That trend should continue in Indy.
The Ryan and Hines combo should make the Colts’ offense more unpredictable in 2022.
Phillip Lindsay will be an interesting addition to the Colts 🤩 pic.twitter.com/x83atjZGrK
— Colts Nation (@ColtsNationCP) May 17, 2022
Should either Taylor or Hines miss some time due to injury, Lindsay should give the Colts good insurance at running back.
A healthier Lindsay should gain more yardage with a revamped offensive line featuring Matt Pryor, Quenton Nelson, Ryan Kelly, Danny Pinter, and Braden Smith.
When you throw tested veteran Dennis Kelly and promising rookie Bernhard Raimann into the Colts’ offensive line equation, Lindsay and Indy’s running back corps should thrive in 2022.
Whichever way you look at it, the Lindsay acquisition was another smart move by Ballard – he gives the Colts insurance at special teams and running back at a reasonable price.
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