As it turns out, the Indianapolis Colts will bring back running back Trey Sermon after all.
The Colts announced re-signing Sermon, which The Indianapolis Star's Joel A. Erickson confirmed on X (formerly Twitter). The financial details of the contract were not disclosed.
Indianapolis' announcement, though, came one day after the team declined to offer him a tender as a restricted free agent.
Sermon spent the end of the 2023 season with the Colts after the Philadelphia Eagles cut him at the end of training camp. Sermon dressed for 14 consecutive games in Indianapolis from Weeks 3-17.
In 14 games, Sermon posted 160 rushing yards on 35 carries. He also had 3 receptions for 13 yards.
During his first season in Indianapolis, Sermon played a career-high 108 offensive snaps. He also lined up for 18 snaps on special teams.
Sermon began his career as a third-round pick for the San Francisco 49ers in 2021. But he appeared in just nine games for San Francisco as a rookie. The 49ers then placed him on waivers ahead of his second season.
The Eagles claimed him off waivers. He spent the entire 2022 season in Philadelphia but dressed for just two contests.
In 25 career games, Sermon has rushed for 346 yards on 78 carries, averaging 4.4 yards per rush. In the passing game, he's contributed 6 catches for 39 yards.
His lone NFL touchdown came during his rookie season with the 49ers.
With Sermon's return, the Colts have five running backs under contract for the 2024 season. Jonathan Taylor will obviously enter the season as Indianapolis' starter in the backfield.
As the roster stands now, Sermon will compete with Evan Hull, Tyler Goodson and Zavier Scott for playing time behind Taylor. But another running back addition is still a possibility.
On Wednesday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported that Indianapolis was one of three teams former Green Bay Packers running back AJ Dillon was "looking at" early in free agency.
Per Bet Wisconsin, the Colts are one of the favorites to land Dillon in free agency.
If signed, Dillon would become the immediate front runner to be Indianapolis' No. 2 running back in 2024.
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