With the backup running back role being so important, the Colts will need one of their young players to step up, and Trey Sermon is that guy.
Football fosters a next-man-up mindset. Therefore, shoring up backup positions is critical to success. As the Indianapolis Colts work to get running back Jonathan Taylor back to full health, they must guarantee his backup is set. Three men are competing for that position, but only one should be the favorite.
Last season, in Taylor’s absence, the Colts used a variety of running backs, but Zack Moss, who recently signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, was the clear backup. Trey Sermon, a third-round pick in 2021, was the next bell cow after Moss. Sermon, who is now on his third team in three years, hopes to establish himself in Indianapolis. With his skill set and potential, he’s poised to be the Colts’ next backup.
Why Trey Sermon is Likely to be the Backup Running Back
His Production Speaks for Itself
Trey Sermon, as previously said, was the bell cow in 2023 behind Zack Moss. Sermon never started a game for the Colts, but in 14 appearances, he rushed 35 times for 160 yards and seven first downs. He also saw action in the passing game, finishing with three receptions on six targets for 13 yards. He also gained 99 rushing yards after contact and broke four tackles.
Sermon’s breakout performance came in a landslide victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. In that game, he led the squad in rushing. He totaled 17 carries for 88 yards. Zack Moss (in for the injured Jonathan Taylor) had an injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the game, allowing the production to be maximized. The Colts needed a backup running back to step up, and Sermon delivered.
He Has Good Experience in His Short Career Thus Far
The Indianapolis Colts are Sermon’s third team in three years. The San Francisco 49ers selected Sermon in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Sermon, who played for the University of Oklahoma and Ohio State in college, enters the league with a lot of talent and potential. As a rookie, he appeared in nine games and started two. That season, he gained 167 yards on 41 attempts, with three receptions for 26 yards. Unfortunately, his tenure with the 49ers was cut short when he sustained an ankle strain that forced him to miss eight games.
The 49ers eventually released Sermon, but the Philadelphia Eagles claimed him in 2022. As the fourth running back on the depth chart, he had little playing time on the field. However, he did sit behind Miles Sanders and the Eagles’ dynamic offense, which depended primarily on the run. Thus, he had great learning opportunities in the Eagles’ premier running back room.
He has Familiarity With Shane Steichen
Shane Steichen, the Indianapolis Colts’ head coach, was the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2022. Trey Sermon was on the team at the time and had firsthand experience with Steichen’s offense. In 2022, the Eagles were an explosive unit. They finished fifth in rushing yards, averaging 147.6 per game. They also topped the league in running touchdowns (32).
Steichen will attempt to replicate this level of success with the Colts, but the backup running back position must be addressed. Trey Sermon may take on that job. He’s proven that he can contribute in this league. He has also demonstrated experience as a journeyman running back who has seen a variety of playbooks and schemes. Finally, he will return for a third year under Shane Steichen’s leadership and offensive. The Colts have a terrific running back situation. All they need to do is shore up the backup position, which Sermon will most likely fill.
