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INDIANAPOLIS – Following Sunday’s practice, we threw out the idea of the Colts monitoring the running back market over the next month.
Well, that turned into a notable waiver claim on Monday evening, when the Colts claimed former third-round pick RB-D’Onta Foreman, who was cut by the Texans on Sunday.
Foreman, a 2017 third-round pick after a 2,000-yard campaign for the University of Texas, was thought to be the favorite to backup Lamar Miller in Houston this upcoming season.
But consistent issues with Foreman’s effort and work ethic played into the Texans deciding enough was enough.
If the Colts can corral that aspect of Foreman, they could have a back that contributes in short-yardage areas.
At 6-1 and 236 pounds, Foreman brings a much bigger complement and running style to what the Colts have at the top of their running back depth chart.
Chris Ballard, who has familiarity in the area where Foreman grew up, wants to take a chance at a position where the Colts could definitely use another body.
With Spencer Ware now gone, the Colts have a potential 53-man roster spot open at running back.
Marlon Mack and Nyheim Hines are locks to make the team.
After that duo, things get a tad murkier.
Second-year back Jordan Wilkins could factor into another year on the roster. And Jonathan Williams is a name that the Colts like, and he was the team’s 4th running back last season.
If the Colts keep 4 running backs, it could very well be Foreman or Williams competing for that final spot.
Any injury to Mack would totally change how this position is viewed.
An Achilles injury kept Foreman off the field for a large chunk of last season, as he played in just 1 game the entire year (finished that game with 7 carries for minus 1 yard).
Foreman tore his Achilles in November 2017 of his rookie campaign. Up to that point, Foreman had averaged 4.2 yards per carry in 78 rushes.
Clearly, the Colts think a new environment, plus Foreman being far away from his hometown, will lead to him reaching more of his potential.
