Tyler Goodson wasn’t a very familiar name until the fourth quarter of the Indianapolis Colts’ final 2023 contest. With 1:06 remaining in regulation, the young running back failed to catch a fourth-down pass from quarterback Gardner Minshew.
The Houston Texans went on to win the game 23-19. C.J. Stroud and Co. secured a playoff spot with the victory. Meanwhile, the Colts’ campaign came to an end, missing the postseason for the third straight year.
Goodson could’ve been a hero if he had caught the pass and kept the Colts’ season alive. But then again, who’s to say the team would’ve gone on to score a touchdown and win the game?
Many fans blamed Goodson for the painful loss. Yet, he will look to become a fan favorite in Indy this upcoming season.
Indianapolis Colts’ Tyler Goodson Could Redeem Himself in 2024
Tyler Goodson’s Football Career
Tyler Goodson attended North Gwinnett High School, located in Suwanee, Georgia. He rushed for 1,180 yards and 25 touchdowns during his senior year. For his efforts, he was named Georgia Player of the Year. He wound up committing to Iowa, passing up offers from Michigan State, Indiana, Iowa State, and Nebraska.
Goodson played three seasons with the Iowa Hawkeyes. As a junior in 2021, he became the school’s first player to rush for over 1,000 yards since Akrum Wadley accomplished the feat in 2017. Goodson finished the season with 1,151 rushing yards and six touchdowns. He also caught 31 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown.
Goodson went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft. However, he signed as a free agent with the Green Bay Packers. He never played a regular season game with the team and was waived in August 2023.
Less than a month later, Goodson was signed to the Colts’ practice squad. In Week 15 of last season, he rushed for 69 yards in the Colts’ 30-13 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Then three games later came the disappointing Week 18 loss to Houston. It was sad to see Goodson drop the past as the Colts were eliminated from playoff contention. Gardner Minshew blamed himself, though, saying, “I wish I would have put a better ball on him, given us a better chance.”
Will 2024 Be a Bounce-Back Season?
Jonathan Taylor remains the Colts’ starting running back. But who will be his primary backup? While Zack Moss did a great job in that role last season, he’s now with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Evan Hull, Trey Sermon, and Goodson will compete for the spot. Hull, who’s coming off a meniscus injury is expected to win the job and replace Moss. But if Goodson has a great training camp, he can come away with it.
Taylor has battled injuries the past two seasons. If he fails to stay healthy in 2024, there’s a chance Goodson gets a few starts and the opportunity to have a bounce-back season.
Right now, Tyler Goodson is known as “that guy who dropped the pass against the Texans.” However, one play doesn’t define anyone. Hopefully, he will make a positive impact this upcoming season and find a way to get into the fans’ good graces.
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