One Indianapolis Colts rookie has been able to take advantage of the opportunities that have come his way in training camp.
The backup running back role is up for grabs this summer with Seth McGowan and DJ Giddens competing for those snaps. Unfortunately, Giddens has been sidelined as of late with a hamstring injury.
That has, however, led to more reps for McGowan with the second-team offense, and he’s performed well, including in Tuesday’s joint practice with the New England Patriots.
In Joel Erickson of the Indy Star’s post-practice breakdown, he noted that it was tough sledding early on for the Colts’ run game, but as practice went on, both McGowan and Jonathan Taylor found success.
Erickson wrote that McGowan put his “power on display” and had a “handful of big gains” running up the middle.
Throughout camp, McGowan has provided a steady, dependable presence. A physical runner, he’s showcased his ability to churn out positive gains and proven to be difficult to bring down, just as he did during his college career.
“I think he’s done a good job,” Daniel Jones said recently. “He’s, you can tell, a strong, physical runner and not afraid to get his pads down and run through the line.”
This competition is far from over with three preseason games and a joint practice still on the schedule. How McGowan performs in those settings will carry the most weight.
But in his first NFL action against another opponent, the rookie continued to impress, and he’s positioned himself to carve out a role in Year 1.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts rookie takes advantage of opportunities in joint practice
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
