The Indianapolis Colts have agreed to terms with running back Ahmad Bradshaw, according Kevin Bowen of Colts.com. Bradshaw has reportedly signed a one-year contract with the Colts, according to NFL reporter Dan Hanzus.
Bradshaw is returning to the Colts after finishing last season on injured reserved when he fractured his fibula against the New England Patriots in November. In 10 games with Indianapolis last year, Bradshaw rushed for 425 yards with two touchdowns.
Bradshaw is listed at 5-foot-10, 217 pounds, but he runs through tackles like a fullback. "He's a warrior," said head coach Chuck Pagano, via Colts.com. While Bradshaw can be dominating on the ground, he also is a very talented pass-catching running back. Bradshaw led NFL running backs in touchdown receptions last year with six despite not playing the entire season.
The Colts have won three straight games, and running back Frank Gore seems to be getting adjusted to Pagano's system. Rookie running back Josh Robinson hasn't panned out well as Gore's backup, as he is just averaging 2.3 yards per carry on 17 attempts.
The Colts are likely looking for a viable backup behind Gore, especially since the run game could be a crucial factor, as it gets closer to the postseason. The Colts are alone in first place in the AFC South, but if they make the playoffs they will likely be on the road outside of a Wild Card game.
The NFL issued Bradshaw a one-game suspension after resolving a marijuana possession case in Ohio, but the suspension has been served while Bradshaw was not playing as an NFL free agent, according to Zak Keefer of the Indianapolis Star. The Colts could use Bradshaw this weekend against the New England Patriots, and it will be interesting to see how the Colts implement him in his first game back.
