Jed Jacobsohn-Getty Images
Ahmad Bradshaw started his first season with the Indianapolis Colts solidly, with 186 yards on 41 carries through the first three games of the season, including 19 carries for 95 yards and a touchdown in Week 3 against the San Francisco 49ers. But a neck injury coming out of that game sidelined him for the rest of the season as he eventually underwent surgery. The Colts brought Bradshaw back on a one-year deal this offseason, and he was medically cleared for some work at OTAs earlier this month.
Positives
Bradshaw has a good chance to be fully medically cleared for the start of training camp, which is good news as he competes for a role in the Colts’ backfield. Trent Richardson struggled last year and Vick Ballard is working his way back from a torn ACL, so in time Bradshaw may only need to stay healthy to have a big role.
Bradshaw has 32 rushing touchdowns and 132 receptions over the last five seasons, despite playing just 60 of a possible 80 games in that span. He has also averaged at least 4.5 yards per carry in four of the last five seasons, though last year’s small sample should be noted.
Negatives
Bradshaw has an extensive history of foot/ankle issues, and adding last season’s neck issue to the mix creates even more questions about his durability. If Richardson and Ballard are productive and healthy respectively, Bradshaw could quickly become No. 3 on the depth chart and in a best-case scenario be the third fiddle in a backfield committee.
Final Verdict
Bradshaw is worth considering very late in draft and auctions, as long as he is ready for Week 1, since his upside potential as a goal line back and pass catcher would outweigh the risk attached to his injury history with only a minimal investment required. A lot hinges on Ballard’s health during training camp and the preseason, as well as his own, but Bradshaw may go undrafted outside of the deepest leagues.
Bye Week: Week 10
Projected Round: 14th Round
Auction Value: $4 (Fantasy Pros.com)
Brad Berreman is a Senior Writer at Rant Sports.com. Follow him on Twitter.
