Colts general manager Chris Ballard suggested Turbin could get more early-down work this upcoming season, Kevin Bowen of the team's official website reports. "Robert's had success in this league and he really niched out a role for us last year," said Ballard. "It'll be interesting to see if he can progress even more on first and second down and take some of the load off (Gore). But that'll be completely up to our coaching staff and Robert and how he performs."

EDGE Analysis

Undrafted rookie Josh Ferguson handled most of the passing-down work early last season, catching 19 balls in his first five games but then adding just one more reception the rest of the year. Turbin and Frank Gore were the only running backs involved in the offense after Week 5, with the former serving as the clear backup to the latter while also handling a sizable chunk of the passing-down snaps. Although the Colts probably want to lighten Gore's workload in his age-34 season, Turbin won't necessarily have a larger role in the offense, as he'll likely have to compete with Ferguson and at least one rookie. Turbin re-signed with the Colts this offseason on a modest two-year, $2.7 million contract that could be worth up to $4 million with incentives. The deal suggests he could ultimately be resigned to No. 3 status on the depth chart -- especially if the Colts select Gore's eventual replacement in the draft.