Indianapolis Colts Sign Running Back Stevan Ridley

Even though the Indianapolis Colts have started to cut their roster down to 75 players, they made one addition Sunday. The team signed veteran running back Stevan Ridley.

The Detroit Lions released Ridley earlier this week. The Colts pounced on the veteran’s availability and hosted a workout with him on August 26th. Whatever the Colts saw, they must have liked because the team gave him a contract.

In his five-year career, Ridley has proven he is a serviceable back when given the opportunity. In his time spent with the New England Patriots and the New York Jets, he has ran for 2,907 rushing yards and 22 touchdowns.

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Ideally, the Colts want Ridley to back up 33-year-old running back Frank Gore immediately. However, this idea is dependent on Ridley learning the playbook quickly.

If he digests the playbook quickly, he does need to worry about his status on the team. Ridley is the backup running back because none of the Colts’ backs have proven they deserve the role.

Ridley’s signing comes less than 24 hours after another dismal performance by the Colts’ running backs. Against the Philadelphia Eagles, their running backs combined for 36 rushing yards on 15 attempts.

Poor running back play has been a signature of the Indianapolis Colts this entire preseason. Their best running back this preseason has been Robert Turbin who only has 44 rushing yards on 15 attempts.

Meanwhile, running backs Jordan Todman, Trey Williams and Josh Ferguson have show flashes of brilliance in practices and games. However, the Colts are not seen enough consistency from these guys on the field.

Ridley’s arrival in Indy should put all the other Colts’ running backs on notice. No one besides Frank Gore should feel good about Ridley’s addition to the team.

Next: Indianapolis Colts: Running Backs Still Struggling for Yards

The Colts made 10 player cuts earlier this Sunday. They need to make a few more if they want to reach that 75-man mark before August 31. As a result, one or two of the Colts’ current running backs could be looking for a new home in September.