According to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, the Indianapolis Colts have reportedly waived 4th-year running back Vick Ballard:
It’s a disappointing end to what initially appeared to be the beginning of a bright Colts career for Ballard, who led the team in rushing during his rookie season with 814 rushing yards in 2012.
May 29, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Vick Ballard (33) stands on the sidelines during organized team activities at the Indiana Farm Bureau Football Center. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
As no Colts fan will ever be able to forget his game-winning touchdown dive in overtime against the Tennessee Titans during his rookie year in Week 8 of that magical season.
However, after two consecutive season-ending injuries during the past two years–specifically an ACL tear and torn Achilles, Ballard could never get healthy enough again to stay on the field. The 25 year old running back was inactive last week because of a hamstring injury.
The former 2012 5th round pick of the Colts presumably finishes his Colts career at this time with 877 rush yards on 224 carries (3.9 ypc average) and 2 rushing touchdowns.
He’s just the latest Colts backup running back to be released while injured, as Dan “Boom” Herron was released nearly two weeks ago as he rehabilitates from a shoulder injury.
There’s no word yet on who has been added to the active roster in Ballard’s place, although practice squad wide receivers Quan Bray or Duron Carter would make a great deal of sense given T.Y. Hilton‘s knee injury that figures to keep him out at least a week or two.
Ballard will be released from reserve once he’s deemed healthy, as both parties will presumably reach a settlement.
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