Vick Ballard Done for Year with Torn Achilles
By Evan Massey
Jul 29, 2013; Anderson, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Vick Ballard (33) catches a pass during the Indianapolis Colts training camp at Anderson University. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
The Indianapolis Colts were hurt badly by the injury bug last season, and it appears that it has started once again this season. Running back Vick Ballard was carted off the field early on in today’s practice, and reports are beginning to surface that he has torn his Achilles and will miss the season. Ballard tore his ACL last season early in the year, and it is just another disappointing piece of news to come out for the Colts.
Colts RB Vick Ballard tore his Achilles, sources say. He was carted off the field earlier.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) July 25, 2014
Ballard is just 24 years old, and proved himself to the NFL in 2012 during his rookie season when he took over the starting running back position and put up big numbers. The Colts were expected to use him fairly frequently this season, but they are going to have to rely on Ahmad Bradshaw and Trent Richardson now that this injury has occurred. It is very frustrating to see a young player with this type of talent suffer season ending injuries in back-to-back seasons.
In 2012 when Ballard was fully healthy and took over the starting role, he carried the football 211 times for 814 yards and two touchdowns. The Colts’ biggest offensive issues last season was the ability to run the football, and that was mainly due to the struggles that Richardson had. Now the pressure is on Richardson’s shoulders even more with the injury to Ballard, and Bradshaw will have to step up and provide the veteran leadership that he was brought back to give.
Overall, this is a heartbreaking loss for the Colts’ organization and for Ballard as well. The Colts are hoping that he will be able to recover quickly and fully and be able to come back at full strength next year, but two injuries in back-to-back seasons is still tough to swallow. It will be interesting to see who steps up to fill the third running back spot, and if there is another roster move on the horizon for the Colts moving forward.