Colts Reportedly Interested in Bringing Back Ahmad Bradshaw

According to the Indianapolis Star’s Stephen Holder, the Indianapolis Colts could have interest in bringing back veteran running back Ahmad Bradshaw, who’s apparently now healthy:

With Vick Ballard waived, here's a running back to keep in mind: Ahmad Bradshaw. He's healthy acc to source and Colts have some interest
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) September 15, 2015

The 8 year veteran’s productivity with the Colts was never in question, as in two seasons with the team he rushed for 611 rush yards on 131 carries for a healthy 4.7 yards per carry average and 4 rushing touchdowns.

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

Not only does Bradshaw run hard and with wreckless abandonment, but he’s also adept in both pass blocking and receiving. The 29 year old actually had 6 receiving touchdowns last season, while once again providing exceptional pass blocking in the process.

However, it’s Bradshaw’s durability that is a major concern. He suffered a season-ending broken ankle in Week 11 of last season against the New England Patriots. The 2nd consecutive season in which he’s had a significant injury cutting short his season.

While he’s very productive when healthy, the Colts don’t know if he’d actually be available when they need him the most come playoff time. There’s no question though that if healthy–which remains a big if, that Bradshaw would provide a very formidable backup to starting running back Frank Gore.

Not that it necessarily factors into the Colts decision-making, but it’s worth noting that Bradshaw was cited this past offseason because of pot possession, which he pled not guilty to.

Still, there’s no question that a healthy Bradshaw would provide a proven upgrade to young rookie running backs like Josh Robinson and Tyler Varga in theory. It was reported earlier that the team released injured running back Vick Ballard, which means the team is thinner in their backfield.

However, there’s a reason that the veteran is still a free agent, and it’s because any team that signs him would be once again rolling the dice on Bradshaw’s brittle health.

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