Are the Indianapolis Colts Gambling With Injuries?
It only takes one hit to end a career.
Every team in the NFL consistently takes a gamble on injuries, knowing full-well that it only takes one major injury to unravel a season. The game of football is a game of risk, but risks that are unavoidable in such a high-impact sport. When it comes to the Indianapolis Colts, a closer look seems to show a laundry list of players on their current roster with a history of injury.
The Colts are far-too familiar with season-ending injuries, after seeing wide receiver Austin Collie basically shorten (or end) his career with head and leg injuries. The most polarizing season-ender was the neck issues from Peyton Manning, which turned the iconic iron man into an after thought for this franchise. The surgeries Manning needed on his neck after years of wear and tear basically ended his career with the Colts.
Present day issues are still abound, and this team should be aware of the consequences. In his rookie season, Andrew Luck took more hit and sacks than any other quarterback in the league. Most of those hits on Luck came as a direct result from a multitude of injuries on the offensive line in 2012. Even the running game took major hits, with only rookie running back Vick Ballard finishing the season fairly healthy. The Colts are also hoping that nose tackle Josh Chapman and linebacker Pat Angerer will be a defensive force on the field in 2013, after being basically a non-factor last season, due to injuries.
Even some of the new faces brought to this franchise through NFL free agency have a history of injury. Both of the Colts’ most productive free agent acquisitions are trying to rebound from past injuries. Running back Ahmad Bradshaw missed two games in 2012 with knee and foot injuries, while safety LaRon Landry has had nagging Achilles tendon problems in the past.
Injuries are a part of the game, but it’s not enough for a team to simply cross their fingers and roll the dice. The Colts have to prepare their players and coaches for whatever may occur, and put them in the best position possible for productivity.