Ahmad Bradshaw could be out for the season

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

Indianapolis Colts RB Ahmad Bradshaw has dealt with several injuries throughout his career, and this seemingly innocent neck injury could bounce Bradshaw out for the remainder of the 2013 season. According to a “team source” close to the Indianapolis Star’s Mike Chappell, the Colts are “hopeful” but also “concerned” about the status of Ahmad Bradshaw both short and long-term. The Colts No. 2 RB suffered a neck injury in Week 3, and it didn’t seem serious at first glance. However, he did not practice all week and was ruled out. Bradshaw did not practice yesterday, and an even bigger red flag cropped up when ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported yesterday that Ahmad Bradshaw is doubtful for Week 5.

Now there is some doubt as to whether or not he will be able to play for the remainder of the season. The Colts source told the Star that the ideal scenario has Bradshaw healing from this neck injury on his own, but there is concern that Bradshaw will need surgery. If that’s the case, then his surgery could force the Drew Rosenhaus client out for the remainder of the season.

Trent Richardson will get better as he gets more comfortable, but the Indianapolis Colts new feature back has averaged under three yards per carry thus far with the team. Chuck Pagano isn’t concerned, but the Colts would definitely be hurting if Bradshaw is out for the year. The news of Bradshaw’s injury being significantly more severe than initially thought means that Richardson will definitely need to step up. While I doubt Bradshaw is out for the season, it is definitely a possibility. The Colts were uncomfortable with having Bradshaw as their lone back when Vick Ballard went down for the year, and a bit of their decision to trade for Richardson/add another back has been vindicated by this latest injury to an injury-prone back. If Ahmad Bradshaw does need surgery, then the Colts could be looking at some serious depth problems at RB.

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