Could Dan “Boom” Herron See Extended Time?

Aug 7, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back

(36) dives for a touchdown as New York Jets inside linebacker Jeremiah George (53) defends during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts have many question marks in their backfield, and they are going to have quite a few decisions to make this season. As of right now, they are hoping that Trent Richardson can figure things out and reach his full potential. If he is unable to do that, they are going to have quite a few decisions to make with both Ahmad Bradshaw and Dan “Boom” Herron coming off the bench behind him.

Herron showed a lot of potential in the Colts’ first preseason game against the Jets on Thursday night, and put his name very much in the conversation for playing time. If Richardson isn’t able to play good football this year, the Colts are going to have to play either Bradshaw or Herron. Both players are capable running backs, but the Colts could decide to split carries between them in order to keep the aging Bradshaw fresh.

Bradshaw is coming off of an injury that ended his season early last season, while Herron is young and has very fresh legs. The Colts are very high on Herron, and he is one of the players that they can depend on if his number is called. He’s not the ideal starting running back, but he is very similar to Donald Brown in that he can always provide consistently play when he is on the field.

Richardson has struggled with consistency, and has not shown the ability to pick up any kind of decent yard per carry average. He has been very vocal about being more comfortable this season and being ready to put up big numbers, but the first preseason game didn’t look good. Herron on the other hand has been working hard all offseason and is ready to play should he be given the chance.

While it may seem like a long shot that the Colts end up putting Herron on the field for extended playing time, it could end up happening. Injury issues have plagued Bradshaw throughout his career, and that could be what ends up giving Herron the chance that he has been hoping to get. If the Colts decide that using Bradshaw sparingly would be best in the big picture, then Herron will be the go-to guy if Richardson isn’t playing quality football.

Overall, this is going to be a very interesting running back situation to keep an eye on for the Colts. Herron is forcing the Colts to see how talented he is, and it is obvious that he has improved from last season. If the Colts do put Herron on the field this year, expect him to put up good numbers each and every week.