The pressure is on Trent Richardson. The first-round draft pick has yet to live up to the hype that surrounded him following a successful college career with the University of Alabama. Things did not work out with the Cleveland Browns and now things are a struggle with the Indianapolis Colts. With the team's backfield depleted with injuries, could the Colts target a free agent to assist Richardson for the rest of the season?
The Indianapolis Colts were already playing without Vick Ballard to start the year. Now they are down another running back entering Week 12. Ahmad Bradshaw's season is officially done after the veteran suffered a broken leg in Week 11. Bradshaw was a buffer in the running back rotation. He was enjoying a mild amount of success against the inconsistent Richardson and now with him gone, the Colts have to put their faith in the third-year back.
Richardson's NFL career has not taken the path he was expecting. The running back was traded mid-season last year and struggled grasping the offense in Indianapolis. Expected to make a big leap this season, Richardson is still struggling with just 391 yards and two touchdowns on the season, averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. However, Bradshaw is out and Richardson enters a now-or-never period in his career. Quarterback Andrew Luck does not sound worried.
"You do have to be able to run the ball," Luck said, via The Indianapolis Star . "I don't think anybody's losing sleep or worrying about if Trent and (Dan Herron) can handle the role. I think they're going to do a great job and really surprise a lot of people."
However, there might be some concern within the Colts organization. According to ESPN.com, the Colts are taking a hard look at Ben Tate and LeGarrette Blount who were both released from the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers respectively on Tuesday. ESPN reports that Indianapolis appears to favor Tate and could be trying to make a move acquiring him off waivers in the next 24 hours.
Tate was signed by Cleveland to be their workhorse, but instead was slowly being replaced by two rookies on the roster. He would be a solid addition to the Colts if picked up. Until then, Richardson will get a majority of the carries and the chance to prove himself to the team.
"It's going to be what it is," Richardson said, via ESPN.com. "Will it be bigger shoes for me to fill? Of course. I have to make sure I step up and do what I have to do."