Colts: Why They Should Sign RB Ahmad Bradshaw

By Dave McKee | Sep 16, 2015

The Colts have waived/IR running back Vick Ballard. Will they sign free agent Ahmad Bradshaw to add a veteran presence behind Frank Gore?

The Colts running back position is currently a revolving door behind Frank Gore. First, Boom Herron was waived before week one and now Vick Ballard’s bid to return has ended. Both have been waived and designated injured. An injury settlement would allow Ballard to become a free agent like they did with Herron, or he can clear waivers and remain on the Colts injured reserve list.

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Behind Frank Gore, there is a bit of a question mark. It’s not a question of talent, but experience. Boom Herron and Vick Ballard both suffered injuries, but neither was considered season-ending. Nonetheless, they were pushed by the rookies and are no longer on the active roster. They are replaced by two rookies, sixth-round draft pick Josh Robinson and undrafted free agent Tyler Varga.

Josh Robinson has fumbled twice in his last two appearances which are a concern considering that he came into the league with a reputation for never fumbling. Robinson played for three years at Mississippi State, in those three seasons he totaled 366 touches from scrimmage (323 rushing) and did not fumble once. While it is far too soon to consider him a fumble-prone player, back-to-back fumbles tend to make coaches hesitant. Robinson is a promising player who has a high upside and even higher character. His Journey to the NFL is an inspiring tale.

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Tyler Varga has been a surprise coming into the season as an undrafted free agent from Yale and has quickly won over the fanbase with his hard-nosed, never-say-die running style. Varga runs like a guy who knows how rare his opportunity is. This is because he know’s how lucky he is to still be playing football. Varga suffered a horrific leg injury as a teenager and nearly lost the leg to amputation.

Both young backs are definitely keepers for Colts organization. The release of Vick Ballard, whose bid to return to the active roster ended on Tuesday leaves only three running backs on the active roster. The NFL season is a long 16 weeks. The Colts have already stated there will be a “snap-count” in place for starting running back Frank Gore to keep him fresh.

Should the Colts look for another veteran presence in the backfield to bolster the position group? I believe so. They have even “expressed interest” in the right man for the job, two-time SuperBowl champion Ahmad Bradshaw.

Why is Bradshaw the perfect fit? He was the best running back for the Colts over the past two seasons. Admittedly, he too has had health concerns, but reports are he is 100% healthy from a broken fibula suffered in week 10 last season.

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*Statistics Provided by Pro-Football-Reference.com:

Bradshaw’s ability to pick up the blitz as a pass blocker and his hands out of the backfield are reasons enough to consider re-signing him. As the infomercial cliche goes, “But wait! There’s more!” Bradshaw is a great change of pace alternative to the bruising running styles of Gore, Robinson, and Varga.

At 29, Ahmad Bradshaw still has plenty left in the tank as a complimentary back. His impact in his 13 games for the Colts – three in 2013 and ten in 2014 – cannot be ignored.

Prior to Bradshaw’s injury in 2014 his 4.7 yards per attempt was his highest average since 2009. Prior to his injury, Bradshaw led the team in red zone touchdowns, mostly from catches out of the backfield. Signing Bradshaw could easily kill two birds with one stone. Simply, adding him as a depth player will create a change of pace and keep Gore’s legs fresh for a playoff run.

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