Between now and training camp, we will be going through the Indianapolis Colts’ full 90-man roster, previewing each player.
Up next is running back Seth McGowan, who wears No. 20.
Profile
Seth McGowan’s tenure with the Colts
The Colts selected McGowan in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL draft.
Seth McGowan’s college career
McGowan rushed for 730 yards in 2024 while at New Mexico and then totaled 824 yards in the SEC with Kentucky this past season, according to PFF. He has 64 targets in the passing game between those two seasons, but he will have to improve in pass protection.
For his career, McGowan averaged 3.22 yards after contact, highlighting his ability to stay on his feet and pick up extra yards. In 2025, he ranked 42nd among running backs, generating 35 missed tackles. McGowan did that on 166 carries as well. A number of the players in front of him had over 200 carries.
Looking ahead to 2026 season for Seth McGowan
McGowan, along with second-year back DJ Giddens, is competing for the backup running back role behind Jonathan Taylor. While, of course, there will be a certain prerequisite that each of these players must meet as ball carriers to earn that role, the ability to contribute in the passing game, particularly as a blocker, and on special teams, can be differentiators in this competition.
“It’s a huge part of it,” Steichen said of the passing game. “I mean, third downs in this league, you got a whole bunch of stuff coming at you that you got to be prepared for and you prep for each and every week. But obviously, the back’s got to be a huge part of that protection.”
McGowan has already caught Taylor’s attention, specifically with his ability to grasp the offensive concepts while committing few to no mental errors.
This article originally appeared on Colts Wire: Colts roster preview: Can rookie Seth McGowan secure backup RB role?
Reporting by Paul Bretl, Colts Wire / Colts Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Paul Bretl, Colts Wire | USA TODAY Network
