Lindsay is the Only NFL Running Back in History With 500+ carries and 0 Fumbles
Despite the crowded RB room in Indianapolis, Phillip Lindsay deserves more carries. Lindsay is currently the leader in NFL history in fumbles to carries ratio and has in fact never fumbled in his NFL career. On 622 rushing attempts, he has never once coughed up the ball, and this is an incredibly valuable attribute for a backup RB. Among the top 10 lowest fumble percentage running backs in NFL history, Lindsay is tied for 2nd in yards per carry (4.5 YPC), trailing only Kareem Hunt (4.6 YPC).
Plain and simple, last season the Colts had a fumbling problem. Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines combined for 7 fumbles and Carson Wentz added 8 of his own. The Colts ultimately tied for 4th most fumbles lost in the NFL at 11 and this was a big reason as to why they missed the playoffs. Phillip Lindsay would be a breath of fresh air to this back field and provide much needed ball security. He also has the break-away speed to rip off long runs which pairs perfectly with this elite offensive line in Indy. Lindsay is slotted in as the Colts 3rd string back, but he might just be the most underutilized good RB in the entire NFL.
From Undrafted Rookie to Pro Bowl to Only Getting 3rd String Touches…
After being an undrafted rookie RB out of Colorado, not much was expected of Phillip Lindsay in the NFL. Despite all odds, Lindsay shined with the Denver Broncos during his rookie season, even getting voted into the Pro Bowl despite being just a part-time starter. Not only this but he was the first undrafted offensive rookie to get the Pro Bowl honor. He finished his first season with 1,037 rushing yards and 10 total touchdowns on 5.4 yards per carry.
He followed up his rookie campaign with a solid 2nd season, eclipsing 1,000 rushing yards again while regressing slightly in touchdowns (7) and yards per carry (4.5 YPC), while starting all 16 games for the Broncos. Unfortunately, his third year in Denver would be his last, as the Broncos brought in NFL veteran Melvin Gordon to split time with Lindsay. Lindsay dealt with multiple injuries during the season as well allowing him to play in just 11 games. The Broncos then drafted the rising RB star that is Javonte Williams in the 2nd round of the NFL draft. This was the final nail in the coffin and Lindsay was shown the door.
In 2021 Lindsay signed with the Houston Texans but was a part of a very crowded RB room and was eventually waived and picked up immediately by the Miami Dolphins. On the season, Lindsay saw a mere 88 carries and averaged just 2.8 yards per attempt, but it is easy to point out that this was not entirely his fault. Pro Football Focus ranked the Texans’ offensive line 29th in the NFL and the Miami Dolphins dead last at 32nd for their terrible offensive line. Unfortunately, Lindsay will once again be fighting for carries in a crowded RB room, as he signed with the Colts this offseason, who also have Jonathan Taylor, Nyheim Hines, and Ty’Son Williams.
