Indianapolis — Javarris James, an undrafted rookie running back, understands his situation very well.
A cousin of former Indianapolis Colts Pro Bowl running back Edgerrin James, the younger James knows that time is running short for him to show what he can do to the Indianapolis coaching staff.
The team's final preseason game Thursday night against Cincinnati could be his final opportunity to play in a Colts uniform. NFL teams are required to trim the preseason roster to the regular season maximum of 53 players by Saturday afternoon.
"(The Bengals game) is big for a young guy like me. It's the last preseason game and that's when they make a lot of final (roster) decisions. This is basically my season right here," James, a former University of Miami back, said Monday.
James followed in his older cousin's footsteps in college as well as his choice of NFL teams. A four-year letterwinner for the Hurricanes, he rushed for 2,162 yards and 18 touchdowns during his collegiate career. Despite those productive numbers, he was not selected in last April's draft.
He is battling first-year running back Devin Moore to be the Colts' fourth running back. He's also in contention with Moore, along with rookie wide receiver Brandon James and rookie cornerback Ray Fisher, as a potential kickoff and punt returner.
Through the first three preseason games, Javarris James is the team's second-leading rusher with 53 yards in 15 carries. He has yet to return a kickoff or punt in a preseason game, but that could come against the Bengals.
"I feel like I can play a lot of special teams. I can also play the fullback position (on offense), I've got good receiving skills and I can block," he said. "I feel like I have a good feel for this offense. So I just hope for best.
It's a learning process. Each week (of training camp), I've been getting better. I've been limiting my mistakes in practice and in the games.
"But this is a big game for me (Thursday night). I understand that I'm going to be able to play a lot (against the Bengals), so I just want to try and showcase my talents. Not just for the Colts, but for the other 31 (NFL) teams."
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