Indianapolis Colts running back Trent Richardson did not travel with the team for Sunday’s AFC Championship matchup against the New England Patriots.
The news was broken by Colts.com writer Kevin Bowen.
Trent Richardson did not make the trip to New England due to personal reasons. It’s once again the tandem of Herron/Tipton for the @Colts.
— Kevin Bowen (@KBowen1070) January 17, 2015
Richardson was inactive last week against the Denver Broncos in the Divisional round of the playoffs. He also saw the field for just one snap in the Wild Card game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Richardson stated earlier this week that he would never be benched again.
Generally this means that a player won’t be on the field with his team. Usually players who are injured don’t travel with the team, but there is no indication that Richardson was suffering from any ailment.
No details were provided from the Colts about the nature of his personal matters.
Members of the media speculated on the issues after the news broke, but no one had any inside information on the decision to leave Richardson at home.
I have no inside info on Trent Richardson, but I'm wondering if it's weight related. He looks significantly heavier to me.
— Bob Kravitz (@bkravitz) January 17, 2015
Re: Trent Richardson ... looks like there is no doubt Colts will pay him not to occupy a roster spot in 2015. White flag waved, I believe.
— Collin McCollough (@cmccollo) January 17, 2015
The Colts owe Richardson $3.184 million in 2015. That money is guaranteed regardless of whether or not he is on the active roster. The only hope the Colts have to get out under that amount would be to trade him away. But that is extremely unlikely.
The Colts will use the tandem of Dan Herron and Zurlon Tipton for the second week in a row against the Patriots tomorrow.