Ben Tate, Blount, Rice All Options For Indianapolis Colts

Nov 6, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns running back Ben Tate (44) carries the ball during the first half against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Losing Ahmad Bradshaw is a devastating loss, but it really could not have come at a better time.

In a strange two-day period of time, the NFL has watched two fairly high-quality running backs become unemployed while surveying another two who slowly dwindle out of their legal situations. Realistically, there are three available running backs sitting on the market right now that the Colts could take a look at as they try to find a replacement for the injury-prone Bradshaw.

Ben Tate

Tate has quickly risen to top priority after being waived by the Browns just a day ago. Tate, one of the bigger free agent pickups by the Browns in the 2014 offseason, seams to have lost a bit of a step that made him such a successful back in Houston. He seemed to have loved the backup role behind Arian Foster and thrives as a change-of-pace back. However, he wasn’t able to pick up his game in Cleveland. The Colts have already publicly shown interest in Tate and are currently looking into the running back’s injury concerns along with potential character problems and figuring out whether he fits into the Colts’ offense. Tate is a great receiver out of the backfield which should mimic Ahmad Bradshaw well. He also has the ability to make something out of nothing when the blocking breaks down. If the team deems Tate a good pickup, he’s the current favorite for the vacancy at running back.

LeGarrette Blount

Oct 26, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back LeGarrette Blount (27) runs the ball against Indianapolis Colts linebacker Andy Studebaker (58) during the second half of their game at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 51-34. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Yes, that LeGarrette Blount. I’m suggesting the Colts look into the man who gashed Indy’s defense when he was with New England in the 2014 playoffs. Blount was a monster then and can still be a force in the offense if he gets space to work with. When Blount signed with Pittsburgh, people were shocked that he would take a backup position behind an obvious starter in LeVeon Bell. Blount is a low-tier starting caliber back and will find success somewhere. Why not Indianapolis? Blount, as his name suggests, is a harder-hitting back than Bradshaw or Tate and will make defenders pay with the lowering of his shoulder. The Colts’ offensive line situation is dicey right now and needs a running back who can make plays without too much help. Blount can definitely provide that. He’s worth a look.

Ray Rice

Aug 16, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Ray Rice (27) runs with the ball during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

This is far from a done deal, especially with Adrian Peterson recently receiving a suspension for the rest of the year. There is a good chance that Rice doesn’t return to the NFL this year. However, his situation is definitely worth monitoring; once he’s free to join a team, the money will fly in his direction. He’s the best overall back on the market now with character concerns aside. It’s debatable whether a program built on ethics and morals will want Ray Rice on their football team, but the Colts should be in the conversation if Rice becomes available in the next week. He’s one of the best receiving backs in the league and would make a fine addition to the Colts’ roster with Ahmad Bradshaw on the shelf.