We learned earlier today that Trent Richardson has been made inactive for today’s game against the Denver Broncos. What we have now discovered is that it may be because of a weight issue. According to DraftAce.com’s Ryan McCrystal, the team believes Richardson is overweight, as he previously failed to meet his weight check:
For a team in the midst of the playoffs, it provides more rationale to what seems like ultimately a surprising decision. Yes, Richardson has been largely ineffective as a running back this year, but he still has a firm grasp of the offense’s playbook and system having spent the majority of the past two seasons with the team.
Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Trent Richardson (34) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
The team now has Michael Hill as its listed 3rd running back, a player who was just signed off the street earlier this week. It seems like a risky proposition for the Colts’ brass to inactivate Richardson at this juncture, but one that was apparently warranted enough.
Hill may not have great familiarity with the Colts offense, but he’ll be thrown into the fire if need be. The Colts have given Richardson a fair amount of chances to prove himself, but his weight may have been the last straw.
To be fair, the Colts had tried Richardson at special teams earlier in the week as an attempt to still get him on the field. However, for a player lacking much burst or explosion this season, he doesn’t seem like an ideal fit as a special teams gunner either. Hill may be a better option on special teams, hence why he’s now active over Richardson.
For Richardson, it could be the end to what has been a disappointing career with the Colts. After surrendering their 2014 1st round pick to acquire him, Richardson has rushed for just 519 rushing yards on 159 carries, resulting in a subpar 3.3 yards per carry average this season.
As noted, the team may strongly look to upgrade their running back position either in free agency or through the NFL Draft in this year’s offseason.