Colts’ running back Trey Sermon exited the preseason opener against the Denver Broncos with what the broadcast called a hamstring injury.
With Jonathan Taylor on the field for the first two series, Sermon saw his first snaps on the third series of the game. He had one reception for 12 yards on offense and no carries. It sounds like the injury may have occurred while on special teams.
The competition for the backup running back role behind Taylor was thought to be one of the more intriguing positional battles taking place at Colts’ training camp this summer. However, from the sounds of what has taken place at practice, there hasn’t been much of a competition, with Sermon seemingly having a firm grasp on that role.
“He’s doing some really good things here,” head coach Shane Steichen said. “Really good in pass pro, I’ve been impressed with that, with the third-down stuff, and also, running and seeing the hole has been good.”
Of the three running backs competing for playing time, Sermon doesn’t have an abundance of NFL snaps, but he is the more experienced back and brings an added physical presence with his running style.
Of note, with Sermon out of the game, it was Tyler Goodson who was the next running back in, ahead of 2023 draft pick Evan Hull.
In addition to how these players perform as ball carriers, when it comes to the backup role, the ability to help on special teams, pass protect, and be a sound pass catcher are other important elements.