The Indianapolis Colts had a busy offseason and upgraded multiple parts of their offense. However, this is not great news for running back Dan Herron, who will most likely become the backup running back again.

Herron was not a factor for the Colts early last season because the team relied on Ahmad Bradshaw and Trent Richardson heavily. However, he got more opportunities after Bradshaw broke his leg. He then became the starter because of Richardson’s ineffectiveness throughout the season.

Herron had 351 rushing yards on 78 carries last season. He provided the Colts with some stability at running back but lacked the physical running style to punish opposing defenses. Herron was a nice pass-catching option out of the backfield and was an average pass blocker. Even though the 26-year-old Herron was getting better, the Colts still felt the need to upgrade the position.

The Colts signed veteran running back Frank Gore in the offseason, and he has had a 1,000-yard rushing season in each of the past four seasons. The move signals that Herron will be relegated to a backup role, but it does not mean to forget about him.

Offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton used a lot of running backs when he was the offensive coordinator at Stanford. Each running back possessed a different set of skills, and Hamilton found ways to utilize them all. Hamilton has shown he is not afraid of using more than one or two running backs, so Herron will still earn chances to play.

While Herron may lose considerable playing time, Hamilton will still use the back. The Colts want to preserve Gore throughout the season, so they will use Herron to give him some rest. Herron will need to be a more explosive running back if he wants the Colts to trust him more often.

The Colts can also use Herron on special teams, as he was the primary kickoff and punt returner before Bradshaw’s injury last year. He will have a chance at being the returner again this season even though the Colts drafted receiver Phillip Dorsett in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Dorsett is in a position battle as well, and if he loses it, the Colts seem content with making Dorsett the primary returner.

Herron has proven he is a capable backup and fill-in starter. He will need to be patient and make the most of his opportunities. He also needs to be prepared for injuries. If Gore gets hurt, he will be the first running back off the bench. It may not be the perfect scenario for him, but Herron can still be effective this season.