In two playoff games, unheralded running back Dan Herron has 119 rushing yards, 117 receiving yards on 18 catches, and two touchdowns. Colts coach Chuck Pagano trusted Herron with 31 touches in the playoff win at Denver.
"To see him go out and play through – that's a darn good defense we went against and they tackle well – and he took some shots like a lot of guys took in that game," Pagano told the Indianapolis Star after the win over the Broncos. "He's a tough, tough, tough kid."
A sixth-round pick and twice-waived former practice squad player, Herron was just hoping to make the team last August. Now he's entrenched as the starter heading into Sunday's AFC Championship Game at New England. Herron did not touch the ball in the Week 11 meeting with the Patriots, a 42-20 loss, as the Colts rushed for 19 yards on 16 carries.
Herron will be a big part of the offense Sunday. The Colts are 6.5-point underdogs.
"When the opportunity comes," Herron said, "you just have to really seize it and really take advantage of it."