The recent signing of running back Dominic Rhodes has generated a lot of questions. Is there an implication that the Colts current running backs are expected to miss more time than previously thought? As Jim Irsay tweeted yesterday, we know that Mike Hart and Joseph Addai are already out for Thursday’s game in Tennessee. With Joique Bell already on the team, Rhodes is now the sixth running back on the Colts 53-man roster. It is rather unlikely that when Addai returns there will be any need for Bell, unless he is a special teams contributor.
The recent decision to move Jerraud Powers to injured reserve, after he suffered a forearm fracture, will likely require Justin Tryon to play a more active role on defense. It is this move that makes it possible that Dominic Rhodes was partially added for his experience as a returner.
Not that any aspect of the Colts has been easy for the coaching staff this year but special teams coach Ray Rychleski has had his work cut out for him. As frustrating as it may have been to see the special teams coverage units show some signs of weakness on a couple of kickoff returns against Dallas, it should come as no surprise that the revolving doors of players on the Colts roster has taken as significant a toll on the special teams as it has on any other unit. Look for even more new faces and new responsibilities in the coming weeks as more players are placed on the injured reserve.
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