Indianapolis Colts RB Vick Ballard is out for season

Aug 11, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts running back Vick Ballard (33) watches from the sidelines during a game against the Buffalo Bills at Lucas Oil Stadium. Buffalo defeats Indianapolis 44-20. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

The Indianapolis Colts will need to find another source of production from their rushing offense after word came down that they’ll be without their primary option:

Colts RB Vick Ballard is out for season after injuring knee during practice Thursday (@MikeWellsNFL contributed to report).
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 13, 2013

Not only is Ballard their primary back while Ahmad Bradshaw gets up to speed, he’s also their best pass-blocking back:

"But, if the Colts’ season opener was any indication, Ballard has improved noticeably from 2012. Ballard was very effective in blocking, both from a technique and awareness standpoint, against the Raiders, which is a fantastic sign for the Colts, who need to build a NASA-like heat shield around Andrew Luck."

Offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton did say it would be ideal to split carries 50-50 between the two backs:

"Pep Hamilton says Ahmad Bradshaw’s role will continue to expand over course of the season. Ideal carries be he and Ballard? 50/50 acc to Pep"

In the team;s season-opening win over the Oakland Raiders, Ballard had 13 carries for 63 yards and one catch for minus-5 yards.

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