NFL Rumors: Colts to have open competition for starting running back
By Bryan Rose
When the season ended, many assumed Trent Richardson would be given the keys to be the Indianapolis Colts starting running back in 2014.
No, he didn’t do anything to deserve that role – but the Colts didn’t give up such a high quality draft pick for Richardson to sit on the bench.
Add in that Donald Brown, who took over the starting role for Richardson is a free agent and things seemingly shaped up with Richardson starting in the backfield come the 2014 season. But according to ESPN, that doesn’t appear likely – at least not right n0w – as it’s expected the Colts will have an open competition for the starting spot.
"It’ll be a wide-open competition for the starting running back position. Vick Ballard, like receiver Reggie Wayne, has to prove he can regain his form after suffering a torn ACL. Don’t be surprised if Donald Brown decides to test the free-agency market to earn more money and a bigger role on a team. He’ll likely start behind Richardson and Ballard on the depth chart if he re-signs."
Maybe more interesting than the open competition is that Brown, assuming he re-signs, would be third on the depth chart despite playing very well in place of Richardson.
Have to think Brown would play elsewhere than become a third-string back.