Indianapolis Colts Don't Need Running Back Mewelde Moore

The signing of 30 year-old running back Mewelde Mooreby the Indianapolis Colts earlier this week was a surprise for more than one reason. For one, the Colts currently have four running backs in their stable without Moore. The Colts have also used numerous draft picks over the past few seasons on running backs, including Joseph Addai, who was let go in the midst of a clean sweep from the franchise earlier this year.

Moore, who will be working for his third NFL team in the last five seasons, will be at least five years older than any other running back on the Colts roster. The nine-year veteran running back will be playing with (and against) former first round pick Donald Brown, 2011 draft pick Delone Carter, 2012 draft pick Vick Ballard, and hometown running back Darren Evans. Evans was an undrafted free agent in 2011, who graduated from Warren Central High School in Indianapolis.

The addition of Moore seems to bring up more questions than it provides answers. If the running game was in need of more depth, than why cut Addai in the first place? Addai, who was a staple of the running game when the Colts won their only NFL title in 2006, was also dedicated to blocking and pass protection. A good blocking back is critical, especially for a new team with a young quarterback. Ballard took the bulk of the carries during mini-camp last week, and ran the ball well, making quick cuts at the right moments.

It’s not yet clear as to why the Colts decided to add an older running back to a young roster. There’s no way to know what to expect until we see these backs get on the practice field as a complete unit. Still, there’s only so many roster spots to go around. But, in today’s NFL, it’s better to have running backs and not need them, then to need them and not have them.