Concern about Ahmad Bradshaw's ability to return from a neck injury, which could potentially require surgery, necessitates Trent Richardson's upward progress within the Indianapolis Colts' offense.
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Coach Chuck Pagano expects the running back to bust out soon.
"(Richardson) is a between-the-tackles, hard-nosed, tough, rugged runner," Pagano told NFL Media's Albert Breer this week. "And he's got 4.4 speed. So if he gets to the second level, and happens to break a tackle, he can take it the distance. And that's gonna happen. That'll come. He's a young player still. He's learning, and obviously making the transition coming over from Cleveland, being here now for three weeks."
Richardson's paltry yards-per-carry numbers have been the subject of articles, podcasts and water-cooler arguments.
Richardson said he's made strides learning the Colts' offense, which will allow him to see holes better and make big plays.
"This week's been much easier," the back told Breer. "Things are slowing down. It's been a big gain over these last two weeks, this is only my second full week here."
The Colts could use that breakthrough Pagano sees in his running back Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks boast one of the NFL's best defenses, including the best secondary, and the team gets pass rusher Bruce Irvin back from suspension. Being able to churn out yardage with Richardson would help Andrew Luck immensely.
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