National Football League

Family ties: Another James emerges for Colts at RB

Published Nov. 12, 2010 9:35 a.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

Javarris James remembers being in awe years ago when his big cousin, former Colts running back Edgerrin James, introduced him to Peyton Manning.

Now, the little cousin is taking handoffs from the star quarterback. James scored two touchdowns in Indianapolis' 26-24 loss to Philadelphia last Sunday, and coach Jim Caldwell said the rookie could get more carries this weekend against Cincinnati.

Starting running back Joseph Addai still is missing practices with an injured left shoulder and No. 3 running back Mike Hart has been out with an ankle injury. The No. 2 running back, Donald Brown, is expected to start, leaving James, an undrafted free agent who ranks No. 4 on the depth chart, as the next man up.

''He certainly could go in and give Donald a break and play a little bit more this week,'' Caldwell said.

James hopes things go as well as the last game. His first touchdown came on a 6-yard run in the second quarter, and his second was a 1-yarder in the fourth.

''I kept smiling,'' he said. ''I was thinking about how my mom and dad was feeling. It was a priceless feeling.''

James feels good about the performance, but he doesn't want to dwell on it.

''The way I feel, it happened, it's a good experience, but that's last week,'' he said. ''This is a new week. It's time to prepare for Cincinnati.''

James impressed Caldwell in the preseason, when he led the team with 85 yards rushing on 26 carries and caught six passes for 38 yards.

''He ran well, played tough, was a contributor on special teams, and he's a guy that certainly could help us,'' Caldwell said.

James was an ideal addition when the injuries began to mount because he was familiar with the offense.

''He has a good understanding of the system,'' Caldwell said. ''That was certainly big because of the fact that there's quite a bit to know and understand, and he was able to retain a lot of that.''

A lot happened before the Colts reclaimed James. They waived him right before the season opener, and New England picked him up. The Patriots released him, and Washington put him on its practice squad. The next day, the Colts signed James.

''I was actually in a hotel room when they called me,'' he said. ''I was jumping for joy. I called my mom, I called my dad, and everybody was so excited. I will never forget that day.''

James wasn't sure how much work he'd get against Philadelphia. He ran four times for 12 yards in the loss, and has just seven carries this season.

''There weren't any expectations,'' he said. ''I was just trying to prepare myself, like I would every week since I've been back. Going in, preparing myself like I was a starter, just making sure I knew all my assignments and everything I needed to know so I could go out there comfortable.''

James said he doesn't know how much he'll play this week, either.

''I don't know about playing time or anything,'' he said. ''I'm just preparing myself for whatever.''

The Colts have beefed up their depth at running back by claiming running back Joique Bell off waivers from Philadelphia. Bell originally signed as a free agent with Buffalo in April out of Wayne State (Mich.). After spending time on Buffalo's practice squad, he was signed to Philadelphia's active roster and appeared in three games.

James is focused on the things he controls.

''Especially with the road I've traveled, I'm just having fun,'' he said. ''I'm just trying to enjoy it.''

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Football League