The Indianapolis Colts enter the 2025 season with a backfield that could be described in one word: volatile. Ranked No. 16 overall in the NFL’s latest running back unit evaluations, the Colts’ rushing attack is sitting squarely in the middle of the pack. But don’t let the numbers fool you—there’s a powerful surge bubbling beneath the surface. Led by Jonathan Taylor’s remarkable return to form and the arrival of Khalil Herbert, the Colts are fielding a unit that could become a league-shattering force or fade into mediocrity, depending on how things shake out early.
Taylor silenced plenty of critics last year. After a 2023 campaign hampered by injuries and trade drama, the All-Pro runner came back with a vengeance. He racked up over 1,400 yards on the ground, showcasing the patience, explosion, and field vision that once made him the most dangerous weapon in the league. But even his bounce-back season came with some caveats. Analysts were quick to point out that a good chunk of Taylor’s production came thanks to the Colts’ elite offensive line—one that dominated the trenches and masked occasional inefficiencies in Taylor’s decision-making.
That’s the question now entering 2025. Can Taylor elevate beyond what’s given to him? Can he create in chaos? Can he break games wide open when the blocking isn’t perfect? Because with more teams gearing up to stop him and younger backs gaining ground league-wide, the burden on Taylor to be more than just a system beneficiary has never been greater.
Adding to the intrigue is Khalil Herbert, who joins the Colts from Chicago following the worst season of his career. Once praised for his north-south explosiveness and contact balance, Herbert’s 2024 campaign was marred by injuries, indecisiveness, and a lack of production. Still, the Colts saw enough in him to make a move in free agency, and he’s expected to play a major role as a change-of-pace option or even a third-down threat. If he can regain form, Herbert could be the perfect complement to Taylor, offering a contrasting style and taking some of the pressure off the lead back.
The rest of the backfield remains a mixed bag. Rookie Evan Hull has shown flashes, particularly in passing situations, and veteran Zack Moss could carve out a rotational role if he survives final cuts. But the real story begins and ends with Taylor. If he performs like he did in 2021, the Colts’ offense becomes a juggernaut. If he regresses or gets nicked up again, the unit could sink fast, especially with uncertainty still looming around the quarterback position.
Offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter has expressed excitement about the versatility and explosiveness the backfield brings. He’s hinted at more creative play designs, expanded usage in the passing game, and a renewed commitment to physical, downhill football. But fans want results, not schemes. They want dominance. And the man they’ll look to for that is wearing No. 28.
Taylor is no stranger to carrying expectations. He’s faced pressure before—and delivered. But this year, it feels different. The leash is shorter. The margin for error is slimmer. And the Colts need him not just to produce—but to lead. Indianapolis may have an average backfield on paper, but with Jonathan Taylor at his peak and Khalil Herbert hungry to prove himself, don’t be surprised if this group becomes one of 2025’s most electrifying stories.