Colts claim Boom Herron off waivers, waive Zurlon Tipton

The Indianapolis Colts made a roster move on this Thanksgiving Day, as they announced that they claimed running back Daniel "Boom" Herron off of waivers and waived Zurlon Tipton.

Herron, of course, spent the 2013 and 2014 seasons with the Colts, and toward the end of last season was the team's starting running back.  He rushed for 351 yards and a touchdown while averaging 4.5 yards per carry in 16 games last year for Indy (three starts) and also added 21 receptions for 173 yards. He also started all three playoff games, rushing for 170 yards and two touchdowns (3.8 yards per carry) and catching 20 passes for 128 yards.  He was a massive upgrade over Trent Richardson as the team's running back last year and helped make up for the loss of Ahmad Bradshaw (somewhat).  Entering this season, Herron was projected to be the team's change of pace running back behind starter Frank Gore, likely still having a significant role in the offense.  Herron was injured on a kickoff return in the fourth preseason game, however, and the shoulder injury was one that would keep him out for a few weeks.  Rather than keep an injured Herron on the active roster, however, the Colts waived-injured him.  Once healthy, Herron signed with the Buffalo Bills and played four games for them this year, rushing 11 times for 37 yards (3.4 yards per carry) and catching three passes for 20 yards.  He was waived yesterday, and today the Colts were rewarded him after putting in a claim.

Herron will slide in as the number three running back on the depth chart for the Colts behind Frank Gore and Ahmad Bradshaw, but he gives the Colts a very reliable number three back who can provide a change of pace and help out in several ways, such as special teams.  He replaces Zurlon Tipton on the roster, who has served as the team's number three back for the pas several weeks.  With Gore, Bradshaw, and Herron, the Colts have a pretty good trio in the backfield.