Khalil Herbert’s tenure in the Windy City ended on a sad note last season as the Chicago Bears traded the veteran running back to the Cincinnati Bengals. The decision to trade Herbert wasn’t surprising, as he was Chicago’s RB3 behind D’Andre Swift and rookie Roschon Johnson.
Herbert’s first three years in Chicago were outstanding as he outplayed his draft status as a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. The former Virginia Tech running back was utilized on the ground, in the passing game, and as a kick returner.
However, when last season rolled around, Herbert saw his YPC average go from 4.6 in 2023 to 2.0. He also played seven percent of offensive snaps, which is the lowest in his entire career with the Bears.
Therefore, a change of scenery was needed for Herber. But he didn’t necessarily thrive with the Bengals. The ex-Bear produced 135 yards from scrimmage on 36 touches in eight games. Even though he had a disappointing 2024, Herbert signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts to be the RB2 behind Jonathan Taylor.
Despite the Colts’ QB situation not being the greatest, Herbert could still carve out a role in Indy, as he could be that change-of-pace option. That said, the Colts turned around and drafted RB in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, DJ Giddens.
According to Jake Arthur of Indianapolis Colts on SI, he believes that the rookie running back will likely be given the opportunity to win the RB2 job and that the team really likes him.
"Giddens may carve out some sort of role regardless of what's going on ahead of him with Jonathan Taylor and/or Khalil Herbert, but at this point, he should mostly be considered a handcuff for Taylor with upside in case of injury to Taylor. The Colts really like Giddens, so he'll likely be given the opportunity to win the RB2 role. However, if he proves capable in pass protection and/or as a pass-catcher out of the backfield, he could have weekly value as the Colts' third-down back."
“Giddens may carve out some sort of roleregardless of what's going on ahead of him with Jonathan Taylor and/or Khalil Herbert, but at this point, he should mostly be considered a handcuff for Taylor with upside in case of injury to Taylor. The Colts really like Giddens, so he'll… https://t.co/Eh9AgPpiq7
— 32BeatWriters (@32BeatWriters) June 5, 2025
Based on Arthur’s analysis, this isn’t great news for Herbert, who could be in a similar position in 2025 as he was in Chicago last year.
Herbert likely didn’t expect he would be competing with another rookie for the second-straight year for snaps when he signed in Indianapolis at the beginning of free agency. However, since he’s gone through this already, Herbert should know what to expect.
The RB2 battle should be one of the more underrated training camp battles across the NFL. On a one-year contract, the veteran running back doesn’t have much to lose, but has much to gain if he can outperform Giddens.