INDIANAPOLIS – The Indianapolis Colts could only wait for so long for running back Vick Ballard to get healthy. Some would argue that the team should have cut ties with Ballard quite some time ago because of his history of injury problems.
But the Colts kept holding out hope that he would finally be healthy. The clock struck zero on Tuesday when the team waived/injured its former fifth-round draft pick. Ballard will go to the injured reserve list if he clears waivers.
Ballard’s talent couldn’t be questioned. He led the Colts in rushing with 814 as a rookie in 2012.
The problem is that’s the extent of his on-the-field NFL production. Ballard tore his ACL after Week 1 in the 2013 season. His 2014 season came to an end before it started when he tore his Achilles in training camp, then Ballard suffered three hamstring injuries during training camp and the preseason this year.
One game and five injuries in the past two years unfortunately doesn’t guarantee you a roster spot.
“He’s a talented guy,” Colts general manager Ryan Grigson said last week. “Like we said, he’s done a lot of great things here and you saw glimpses of that. You’re going to pump the breaks before you let someone with that talent just walk out your door.”
Rookies Josh Robinson and Tyler Varga backed up starter Frank Gore in last week's game at Buffalo. Former Colts running back Ahmad Bradshaw is a possibility for team. Bradshaw, according to a source, is completely healed from a broken leg suffered against New England in Week 11 last season.
