RB Phillip Lindsay Released by Colts

Per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Indianapolis Colts are releasing Phillip Lindsay after signing the 5-foot-8, 190-pound tailback to a contract in May.

The undrafted Lindsay recorded back-to-back 1000-yard rushing seasons with the Denver Broncos in his first two seasons. Despite showcasing his breakaway speed and solidifying himself as one of the league’s better halfbacks, Lindsay parted ways with the Broncos after an injury-riddled 2020 campaign.

Last season, he would sign with the Houston Texans before being released in November.

Following a subpar 2021 season that saw him averaging just 2.8 yards per carry in 14 games (four with the Miami Dolphins), Lindsay would have only had a modest role with the Colts. In fact, it would have been somewhat similar to his situation in Houston, where he found himself third on the depth chart.

Though the Colts boast an elite offensive line, workhorse Jonathan Taylor is arguably the best halfback in the NFL. According to NFL.com’s Cynthia Frelund, Taylor recorded more total yards after contact (1,272) than any player had total rushing yards in 2021.

From that perspective, perhaps there’s a silver lining for the Lindsay.

After all, he’s still the first undrafted offensive rookie in NFL history to be voted to a Pro Bowl and the first undrafted player to surpass 1,000 rushing yards in his first two seasons. With the 28-year-old in what’s considered the physical prime of a professional athlete’s career, that should count for something.

Looking ahead, the Kansas City Chiefs, Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions could be among Lindsay’s future suitors.

The Chiefs have a number of running backs in their stable, including Ronald Jones and Clyde Edwards-Helaire. However, none of them stand out from the rest of the group, let alone the league as a whole. The Falcons, with Cordarrelle Patterson and Tyler Allgeier, also have a running back corps that’s lacking a standout player. Meanwhile, no running back with at least 150 carries averaged higher than 4.1 yards per carry for the Lions in 2021.

One of the more notable undrafted players in NFL history, the story for Lindsay is unlikely to be over just yet.