The Indianapolis Colts won again on Sunday with Andrew Luck leading the way, but two of his weapons in Reggie Wayne and Trent Richardson head into Week 8 a bit banged up and that could lead to Ahmad Bradshaw getting the start at running back and fantasy football owners should keep an eye on those names heading into the matchup next week with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Richardson and Bradshaw have been splitting time this season and Bradshaw has the slight lead in yards, while Richardson has had the majority of the carries for the team. Andrew Luck has been the MVP thus far this season along with DeMarco Murray in the NFL and losing either Richardson or Wayne for any amount of time would be tough to overcome. The team has the Steelers and the Giants on the road in the next two weeks and those are difficult games for the Colts, who have won five in a row since losing their first two to start the season.
According to Pro Football Talk, the Colts are not worried about the injuries, but they still are awaiting the MRI results for the players. Richardson is dealing with a hamstring injury and Wayne is dealing with an elbow issue that could keep him out for at least one game and possibly two. Richardson was acquired last season for a first round pick and while he has not been great for the Colts, he has been very solid this season and has 358 yards rushing, although he is averaging just 3.5 yards per carry.
His explosiveness and his ability to gain yards up the middle was the reason the Browns traded Richardson and the Colts felt they got him for a bargain, even though it cost a first round pick. Richardson had a fantastic rookie campaign for the Browns and has 950 yards rushing and 51 catches that year, but he has not been able to follow that up since. Bradshaw has played very well for the Colts this season and he has remained healthy after missing basically the entire season last year.
Bradshaw played in only three games last season, but he has been active for all seven this year and he has 336 yards rushing on just 70 carries. Bradshaw is averaging a healthy 4.8 yards per carry and he also has added 24 catches for 212 yards and six, count em, six receiving touchdowns. Bradshaw has benefitted from the play of Luck this season and the team has utilized him in passing situations and clearly it has been working.
Reggie Wayne could miss two games with his elbow injury and while that's tough for the Colts, they have names that can step in for him. TY Hilton is the top WR for the team with Wayne and Hakeem Nicks still has the chance to prove he's not completely washed up after his Giants career went from amazing to terrible in just a couple years. Wayne has 38 catches this season for 434 yards and one TD and now he could return for the team around the bye week and that could help him get healthy.
