This season, Goodson has been activated from the Colts’ practice squad three times. In his previous regular-season appearances, however, he just caught passes.
While the Indianapolis Colts are no strangers to the ‘next man up philosophy,’ it was put to the test against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday.
Running back Zack Moss suffered an arm injury in the second quarter after collecting a 16-yard touchdown pass. He was out for the rest of the game. That meant Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson had to step up and keep the run game afloat.
Sermon had been in this situation before, with considerable regular-season carries with the Colts and previous stops with the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles, but Goodson could not.
Despite being activated from the practice squad for the Colts’ last two games, he’d only touched the ball on three receptions for nine yards.
Despite being the team’s primary receiving back, running backs coach DeAndre Smith stated Goodson would be more than capable of running the ball if necessary.
“I’m not worried about him running because he can run,” Smith explained on Wednesday. “So, we just got to find opportunities to get him out there.”
So, when Goodson received his first carry in the second quarter, he said it seemed weird.
“I get to the sideline and I’m like, ‘Man, hold on. I really got my first carry, like that’s crazy,”‘ Goodson said. “It’s a dream come true and I’m excited for this opportunity. I’m happy they were able to trust me – to put the ball in my hands. I tried to do everything I could to make the best of the opportunity.”
His workload grew from there, with 11 carries for 69 yards, including a 31-yard scamper that put the offense on the Steelers’ 20-yard line.
“I’m still dreaming,” stated Goodson. “I adore this game, so I do everything I can to put myself in a position to succeed and contribute to a team victory.” It fulfilled all of my expectations. It was everything I expected, and I was just having fun.”
Based on Goodson’s college career, it feels like a wonder that it took this long for him to get this opportunity.
After a three-year career with the Iowa Hawkeyes, Goodson ended his career 10th in career rushing yards (2,551). He also had 19 touchdowns from scrimmage.
However, he ended up going undrafted and signed with the Green Bay Packers as an undrafted free agent in May of 2022. He eventually signed with the Colts’ practice squad in September of 2023.
“I think the biggest lesson I learned was patience,” said Goodson. “Because I’m not used to just being on the team and practicing but not being able to play the game.” So it was difficult, but it only taught me patience. And I simply kept talking to God and letting Him lead the way, and everything happened the way it was supposed to happen.”
When he arrived in Indianapolis, he had to adjust to a new city and locker room. Luckily, he had one connection he could rely on.
Goodson and rookie wide receiver Josh Downs played high school football together at North Gwinnett outside Atlanta. They won a 7A state championship together in 2017. Off the field, the two grew close since Downs often spent the night at Goodson’s house to spend time with him and his brother.
After seeing Goodson’s talent up close and personal, Downs knew it was only a matter of time until he got his chance in the NFL.
“He’s been waiting for his opportunity,” Downs explained. “I know he’s had some doubts over the last year, just not being able to get out there and be on the practice squad.” But I’ve always suspected he was a baller. So seeing him go out there and make some big plays is nothing new to me. But now the rest of the world can see it.”
