Indianapolis Colts Rumors: Ahmad Bradshaw not expected to return
Indianapolis Colts running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) reacts after running for a 5 yard gain in the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park. The Colts defeated the 49ers 27-7. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
The Indianapolis Colts were counting on Ahmad Bradshaw to be a solid force at the running back position and form a solid duo with Vick Ballard, but both players suffered season-ending injuries early on. Bradshaw is one of the most injury-prone players in the league, and that’s part of the reason why they acquired Trent Richardson for a first-round pick from the Cleveland Browns; they didn’t trust Bradshaw to stay healthy. That lack of trust in his health proved right, but it’s sad to see a running back who could be one of the league’s most talented feature backs due to his all-around ability always struck down by injury.
With Richardson in tote and still somebody the Colts are very high on, Donald Brown’s emergence, and Ballard’s return to health set, the Colts aren’t expected to re-sign Bradshaw. Both Brown and Bradshaw are impending free agents, and it’s clear that the healthier Brown is higher on the team’s list. According to ESPN NFL Nation’s Mike Wells, it is “highly unlikely” for the Colts to bring Bradshaw back for the 2014 season.
It will be interesting to see which teams show interest in the talented-but-oft-injured RB in free agency, and all he can hope for at this point is a one-year deal with incentives. He’s worth the flier for teams in need of RB help, but it’s obvious that he can’t be asked to shoulder the brunt of the carries. At the end of the day, expect the Colts to keep Brown around and roll with a top three of T-Rich, Brown, and Ballard next season.