Bears Workout Former Colts Running Back Vick Ballard

According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, former Indianapolis Colts running back Vick Ballard worked out for the Chicago Bears on Tuesday:

It’s the first real significant interest we’ve heard from other NFL teams in Ballard since he was released by the Colts in mid-September.

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

Originally a 5th round pick of the Colts in 2012, Ballard led the Colts in rushing during his rookie season, as he ran for 814 total rushing yards on 211 carries (3.9 ypc average) and 2 rushing touchdowns.

However, injuries have seemingly derailed Ballard’s once very promising career. The 4-year veteran has suffered two consecutive season-ending injuries and has yet to fully demonstrate that he’s regained his prior form.

While the Colts still clearly liked Ballard’s potential talent and ability, he was unable to stay on the field in the team’s preseason games, having suffered from some lingering injuries.

Eventually, the team could no longer wait on Ballard’s health, and the Colts were forced to release him due to overall roster limitations.

Still, it’s encouraging news that Ballard is generating some interest among other NFL teams around the league. No one ever likes to see a young player’s career cut short because of injury, especially one that has worked as hard to get back on the field like Ballard.

It’ll be interesting to see if anything comes of his workout with the Bears, but either way, it’s positive news for Ballard in potentially continuing his NFL career after such significant injuries.