After being traded from the Cleveland Browns to the Indianapolis Colts, Trent Richardson scored on his first carry with his new team. Granted it was a 1-yard run at the goal line, but it was a score none the less. Now benefiting from being part of a successful running back tandem, Richardson is ready to reap the benefits. However, Ahmad Bradshaw has been ruled out against the Jacksonville Jaguars, leaving Richardson to once again carry the ground game.
Bradshaw is coming off a season-high performance after putting up 95 yards against the San Francisco 49ers. NFL.com reports Bradshaw will miss the Sunday matchup due to neck injury suffered against the 49ers. The severity of the injury is unknown and the running back could miss more than a week of action. The injury has major fantasy implications. The veteran was the leading rusher on the team, putting up 186 yards and two touchdowns through the first three weeks. He is owned in 98 percent of fantasy leagues.
He and Richardson got almost equal carries in the game. Bradshaw was in for 30 snaps while Richardson was in for 38 snaps. Both recorded a touchdown in the win, but disappointed fantasy owners that had either back on their team. However any owner with Richardson should get ready because the talent should easily be able to stomp over the Jacksonville defense.
The Jaguars have the worst rush defense in the league. Opponents are averaging 167.7 yards per game with 5.2 yards per carry. Owners be wise and start Richardson. Another scenario would be to pick up Donald Brown off waivers if available. He and Richardson will handle the workload on Sunday and could put up big numbers.
The Colts must hope that Bradshaw's injury is not serious. The team does not have a bye week until Week 8. After Jacksonville, they face key matchups against the San Diego Chargers, Seattle and the Denver Broncos. A veteran like Bradshaw will be crucial in games like that.
The trade for Richardson is looking better with each day. It was assumed that Bradshaw was not equipped to handle being the leading rusher for a team. As an aging veteran, injuries have been an issue and that is once again true.
