Jonathan Taylor has missed some or all of 19 out of 51 possible games over the past three seasons. Giddens was seen by some as a talent who could have been drafted to compete for a starting role as a rookie, so don't be surprised if his explosive play ability translates into big Fantasy production if he gets a chance to fill in for Taylor. Giddens ripped off 41 runs of 15+ yards across the 2023-24 seasons, making him one of five incoming rookies with 40+ of such runs during that timeframe. He also contributed 679 career receiving yards. He averaged a career six yards per rush even while facing stacked boxes at one of the highest rates of any incoming rookie RB. With size (212 pounds), strong collegiate avoided tackle rates, and impressive burst, Giddens profiles as an exciting sleeper worth targeting in the late rounds as a handcuff stash.
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2024
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2023
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Fantasy News
Colts' DJ Giddens: Six carries in preseason win
Rotowire
Giddens rushed six times for 22 yards in the Colts' 41-14 preseason win over the Bengals on Saturday afternoon.
Giddens served as the starting running back and handled the Colts' first touch from scrimmage, gaining six yards on that carry. The rookie fifth-round pick is thought to have a decent path to the No. 2 role behind Jonathan Taylor, and the fact his primary competition for that job, Tyler Goodson, missed Saturday's game with an elbow injury only figures to strengthen Giddens' chances.
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Colts' DJ Giddens: Ahead of Goodson for backup role?
Rotowire
Giddens is on track for the No. 2 running back role, according to ESPN's Stephen Holder.
Giddens worked ahead of Tyler Goodson in the Colts' second preseason game, even taking a handful of first-team snaps, while Goodson only played with the backups (and then left early due to a shoulder injury). Khalil Herbert (undisclosed) was already unavailable, and Giddens then furthered his case for the backup role by taking six carries for 28 yards. It's still possible the Colts defer to experience and enter Week 1 with Goodson as their No. 2 RB, but Giddens should have a chance to move up soon enough even if he starts off third in the pecking order. That said, there's no real hope for Year 1 fantasy value without workhorse Jonathan Taylor missing time.
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Colts' DJ Giddens: Rotates with Tyler Goodson
Rotowire
Giddens took six carries for 17 yards and had one incomplete target in Thursday's preseason opener at Baltimore.
With Jonathan Taylor and most other starters rested, RB Tyler Goodson got the start and the first carry, but it was Giddens who took most of the snaps in the first half after Daniel Jones replaced an injured Anthony Richardson (finger) at quarterback. Neither Giddens nor Goodson made much of an impression, but they at least worked ahead of Khalil Herbert, who got zero touches in the first half and then scored a TD in the third quarter. As a rookie fifth-round pick, Giddens likely will be kept on the Week 1 roster even if the Colts settle on Goodson or Herbert as their No. 2 RB.
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Colts' DJ Giddens: Listed as No. 3 RB
Rotowire
Giddens is listed as the No. 3 running back on the Colts' first unofficial depth chart of the preseason.
He's behind starter Jonathan Taylor and Tyler Goodson. While Giddens is seen having a strong camp so far, Goodson could be given deference as a returning veteran or may be listed as the second back because he could have a role on passing downs if Jonathan Taylor is healthy. Giddens may be the more likely candidate for the bulk of carries if Taylor were to get hurt, though Khalil Herbert also could be in the mix.
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Colts' DJ Giddens: Taken by Indy in fifth round
Rotowire
The Colts selected Giddens in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 151st overall.
Formerly a zero-star recruit, Giddens worked his way up Kansas State's depth chart to start in his final two college seasons. He rushed for 1,200-plus yards in each of those two years and was named to the Second Team All-Big 12 roster in 2024. Giddens' cutback ability and lateral quickness makes him a dangerous runner in the open field, which makes up for his lack of effectiveness between the tackles. His elusiveness as a runner and pass-catching ability should allow him to compete with Khalil Herbert and Tyler Goodson for a rotational role in the Colts' backfield behind starter Jonathan Taylor.
