The Colts have signed running back Branden Oliver, the team announced today (Twitter link). The team waived receiver Dres Anderson to make room on the roster.
Oliver was one of several veteran running backs left on the market, and his addition likely has something to do with the injury to Marlon Mack. It was reported yesterday that the Colts were looking to bring in a veteran back. Mack is expected to miss a few weeks with a hamstring strain.
Earlier this summer, it was reported that the Bills were interested in bringing in Oliver, but nothing ever materialized. Oliver came into the league as an undrafted free agent in 2014, and spent the last four seasons as a Charger.His biggest role came as a rookie, when he started seven games and carried the ball 160 times for 582 yards and three touchdowns. His role decreased significantly to being strictly a backup after that, and he missed the entire 2016 season due to injury.
The Colts let Frank Gore walk to Miami earlier this spring, and were left with a very young running back room. Oliver should provide a steady veteran presence, but isn’t a lock to make the 53-man roster. The group currently consists of Mack, rookie Nyheim Hines, Christine Michael, Robert Turbin, and Jordan Wilkins.
Is there a Seahawks connection in their FO? They’ve got Turbin and Michael.
I think it’s fairly common for teams in one conference to focus on a team in the other conference as a preferred team to deal with.
The Bears use to take almost anyone the Broncos had no use for (Cutler, Fox etc.) and now that Nagy is their coach they are taking a hard look at anyone who played for the Chiefs.
Real astute analysis there, Mr. Obvious. The Colts picked up Turbin 2 years ago & got Michael last year mid season when he was let go by GB, but he chose Seattle for a few weeks, then let go there & came to the Colts & ended the year on IR along with Turbin. So, no, there isn’t some big connection between Indy & Seattle. No trades, just a couple coincidental pick ups that both play RB
You realize Cutler was brought in by Jerry Angelo and John Fox was hired by Ryan Pace. Cutler played one season for Fox in Chicago…and was then cut.
The Colts current staff and front office have zero ties in Seattle.
Having two journeymen RBs who were elevated backups at a previous team is a coincidence.
The Colts would be more apt to look at Philadelphia, Kansas City or in the division where their scouts focus more in season and have a deeper evaluation.