Signing Ameer Abdullah was an excellent move by the Indianapolis Colts. The veteran running back has emerged as a solid contributor thus far.
The Colts weren’t expected to make much noise this year. Most people predicted them to have another disappointing year. However, they’ve surprised everybody, as their 6-1 record is the best in the NFL.
Daniel Jones and Jonathan Taylor have been the main reasons for the team’s hot start. Jones, who replaced Anthony Richardson as the starting quarterback, and former rushing champ Taylor are playing like MVPs this year. No, Abdullah certainly isn’t an MVP candidate like those two are. But he’s a quality backup running back and return specialist.
Ameer Abdullah Was a Great Pickup for the Indianapolis Colts
Looking Back at His Career
Ameer Abdullah starred for Homewood High School in Homewood, Alabama. As a senior, he rushed for 1,800 yards and 24 touchdowns, while catching 33 passes for 515 yards.
Abdullah then played college football at Nebraska. He rushed for 4,588 yards and 39 touchdowns during his four years with the Cornhuskers. He was named First-Team All-Big Ten in 2013.
The Detroit Lions selected Abdullah in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he led the NFL with 37 kick returns and 1,077 kick return yards. He also rushed for 597 yards, which remains his career high. He rushed for 552 yards and a career-high four touchdowns in 2017.
Abdullah signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2018. He had been a starter in Detroit, starting 22 of his 35 games. However, he has been a backup ever since. Other than the Vikings, Abdullah has played for the Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, and San Francisco 49ers.
In September 2025, he was signed to the Colts’ practice squad. He was later promoted to the active roster on October 18.
Why He’s a Good Addition
The Colts signed Khalil Herbert this past offseason. He was supposed to be Jonathan Taylor’s primary backup. Yet, he was later released as rookie DJ Giddens made him expendable.
It now appears that Abdullah has bypassed Giddens in the pecking order for carries and has emerged as Indy’s No. 2 running back.
Abdullah has played three games for the Colts this season. He had a rushing touchdown in the huge 40-6 win against the Raiders. Then, versus the Chargers, he produced a spectacular 81-yard kickoff return. The Colts capitalized on that play, which set up the offense with tremendous field position inside the red zone.
Abdullah finished the Chargers game with 109 kick return yards, 19 rushing yards, and an eight-yard reception. The Colts won the contest 38-24, which was an impressive road victory.
Chris Ballard is primed to win NFL Executive of the Year. The Colts’ general manager has made a few major moves in 2025. He signed Daniel Jones and drafted tight in Tyler Warren, who’s having a phenomenal rookie season.
Signing Abdullah isn’t a well-known move. Yet, the team needs players like him as they look to win their first AFC South title since 2014. Abdullah can help at running back, catching passes, and returning kicks. He’s sort of a jack of all trades. Kudos to Ballard for landing him.
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