Ex-Colts RB Ahmad Bradshaw Suspended One Game

According to Howard Balzer of LockerDome, former Indianapolis Colts running back Ahmad Bradshaw has been suspended one game for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. Currently a free agent, Bradshaw was previously cited for pot possession in Ohio this past February:

If FA RB Ahmad Bradshaw signs with a team, he will be suspended for the first week of the season.
— Howard Balzer (@HBalzer721) June 22, 2015

With the addition of high-profile veteran Frank Gore, the door has appeared to have been shut on a potential Bradshaw return. When healthy, Bradshaw was highly effective for the Colts, as he rushed for 425 rushing yards on 90 carries (4.7 yards per carry average) and 2 touchdowns. In addition to his rushing production, Bradshaw proved to be a prolific red zone threat for the Colts in the receiving game, as he had 6 touchdown receptions last season from Andrew Luck.

Oct 9, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) celebrates after scoring on a 5-yard touchdown pass against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

However, as has been the issue with Bradshaw throughout his career, his durability is a major concern. Bradshaw had missed 19 regular season games over the past two seasons with the team, finishing both years on injured reserve with season-ending injuries. Just this past season, Bradshaw suffered a broken ankle in Week 11 of the regular season against the New England Patriots, effectively ending his season.

There’s no doubt that Bradshaw is an incredibly productive running back when healthy. Yet, having just turned 29 years old, his brittleness is a major concern. For a team like the Colts, it’s hard to continue to keep a running back, who doesn’t play when you actually need him the most. Bradshaw didn’t play in a playoff game for the Colts over the past two seasons due to season-ending injuries, and it’s difficult to depend on a running back like that, especially for a team with serious championship aspirations.

Even without the pot citation, Bradshaw was still a significant longshot to re-join the Colts this offseason. As soon as the Colts signed Gore, it presumably signaled the end of the Ahmad Bradshaw era for the team. He’ll always be remembered for running with tremendous energy, purpose, and reckless abandonment as a running back for the Colts, and for being clearly superior to his platoon-mate Trent Richardson.

At this point, it’s a fair question to ask if this may very well be the end to what’s been a highly productive and accomplished career for Bradshaw, even if it was often limited by injuries.

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