Josh

Robinson

Ex-49ers RB Anthony Dixon will also participate. A hyped sixth-round pick out of Mississippi State two offseasons ago, Robinson fell flat on his 2015 snaps, struggling mightily as a pass protector while averaging just 2.3 yards per carry and 5.5 yards per reception. He was out of the NFL last year.

Robinson isn’t going to wow anyone with his athleticism or speed. But he sheds tacklers at a bowling-ball shaped 5'8/217 by running very low to the ground. Don’t be surprised if Robinson beats out Boom Herron for primary backup duties behind 32-year-old Frank Gore. There’s more upside here than meets the eye.

Robinson obviously won’t be that in year one with Frank Gore atop the depth chart. But the rookie out of Mississippi State is firmly in the mix to be Gore’s primary backup, along with Boom Herron and Vick Ballard. Herron left yards on the field last season and had some fumbling issues. Robinson runs low to the ground, breaks tackles, is consistent, and can function in the pass game.

Robinson (5'8/217) is a power runner with athletic limitations. He ran just 4.70 at the Combine. Robinson should compete with Vick Ballard and Zurlon Tipton for a roster spot. Our money will be on Robinson, a violent bowling ball with surprisingly smooth passing-game ability.

Robinson is competing for a spot behind Frank Gore and Dan Herron. He has a good chance to find his way into rookie-year snaps if he can put together a strong training camp. The Colts like Robinson’s pass-game ability in their offense. A violent runner with functional receiving skills, Robinson could push Herron for handcuff value behind 32-year-old Gore.

Robinson was briefly needed in the fourth quarter with Frank Gore battling cramps, but promptly fumbled. It was overturned by a penalty, but it was an inauspicious debut for the sixth-round rookie. Robinson is a nice handcuff behind the aging Gore, but offers zero standalone value.

Robinson is averaging five touches per game behind Frank Gore. With Tyler Varga (concussion) out, Zurlon Tipton will be the No. 3 back.

To make matters worse, Robinson’s head injury came on a play where he committed a soft, soft fumble. Andrew Luck put the ball right in his belly, but Robinson flat dropped it. Despite the miscue, the sixth-rounder remains the favorite for No. 3 duties behind Frank Gore and Dan Herron. He’ll finish the preseason with 28 carries for 109 yards and a touchdown. Robinson is better than Zurlon Tipton.

Dan Herron is Frank Gore’s backup, but Robinson has shown enough this preseason to move ahead of Vick Ballard. The Colts would figure to use a committee if Gore went down, with Robinson a candidate for short-yardage/inside work. Robinson will make Ballard or Zurlon Tipton expendable.

Vick Ballard (hamstring) and Dan Herron (shoulder) both dropped out of Thursday night’s preseason finale, perhaps paving the way for Robinson to open the season as Frank Gore’s primary backup. Ballard will likely be a part of Saturday’s final cuts. The extent of Herron’s shoulder injury is unknown.