The Indianapolis Colts are hopeful that running back Trey Sermon will be able to return to practice next week.
Following Sunday’s practice, head coach Shane Steichen was first asked about when cornerback JuJu Brents could return to practice. The hope is next week.
Steichen was then asked a few questions later about Sermon’s status, to which he had a similar response:
“Yeah, same thing,” Steichen said. “Hopefully next week.”
Sermon exited the Colts’ preseason opener against Denver with a hamstring injury and has been sidelined since.
The backup running back battle was one of the more intriguing competitions taking place for the Colts coming into training camp.
However, based on what we heard out of those initial training camp practices, it doesn’t sound like much of a competition was taking place, with Sermon having a firm grasp of that backup role from the get go, leaving Tyler Goodson and Evan Hull to compete for the third running back spot on the depth chart.
While Taylor will handle the bulk of the workload at the running back position, the backup role has become increasingly important around the NFL with teams mindful of how many touches they are putting on the shoulders of their lead back.
The 2024 season will be Sermon’s fourth year in the NFL and third playing under Steichen after spending 2022 with him in Philadelphia.
Sermon has 78 career carries with 35 of them coming last season. He would average 4.6 yards per rush on those attempts, with five missed tackles forced and three rushes of 10-plus yards. As a pass-catcher, he had three receptions for 13 yards.
Sermon brings an added physical presence to the position for the Colts with his hard running style.
Colts' WR Josh Downs progressing 'really well' from ankle injury https://t.co/xK24j4Osx2 pic.twitter.com/kP4HVD43db
— TheColtsWire (@TheColtsWire) August 26, 2024