Colts Running Back Ahmad Bradshaw to Have Season Ending Surgery

Sep 8, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) celebrates at the end of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts defeated the Raiders 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Indianapolis Colts running back Ahmad Bradshaw will undergo surgery to repair a neck injury suffered against the 49ers. Bradshaw spent the last two weeks consulting doctors and taking time to see how it felt.

Ultimately it was determined that surgery was his best course of action.

Bradshaw was having a successful season until the injury. He had 186 yards and two touchdowns on 41 carries. He essentially won the against the 49ers as well with his tough running style.

Bradshaw didn’t play during the preseason while recovering from foot surgery back in January. While many have labeled him as injury prone, he will miss more games this season (13) than he has in his entire career (12).

Bradshaw signed a one year deal with the Colts and its hard to believe that they would resign him next season. The injury is reported to be very similar to what Peyton Manning suffered.

The trade for Trent Richardson is becoming all that much more important following this move. It was thought that Bradshaw would essentially mentor Richardson until he was comfortable with the offense, but now, as we’ve seen the past two weeks, Richardson will be the starter.

While Richardson has been struggling lately and Bradshaw has sat out, its afforded Donald Brown a chance to shine. Brown has 102 yards and a touchdown off nine carries the past two weeks. There is a very real possibility that Brown could play his way into a new contract with the Colts. While he has had his ups and downs, he is a much improved player and a nice change of pace back for Indy.

For the Colts, moving him to IR will open up a roster spot that will likely be filled with another running back. Kerwynn Williams was released from the practice squad and fullback Robert Hughes was released from the active roster. The Colts essentially have three spots to fill now (two active, one PS).

We’ll have more on this story as it develops.

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