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.