Former Colts running back Vick Ballard works out for Bears

According to the Chicago Tribune's Brad Biggs, a former Indianapolis Colts running back worked out for the Chicago Bears on Tuesday.  Biggs noted that Vick Ballard had a tryout in Chicago, so we will see if it leads to anything or whether it was merely a workout.

#Bears put 6 players through workouts at Halas Hall today, including former #Colts RB Vick Ballard.

— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) December 22, 2015

Ballard spent three seasons with the Colts and was a productive running back, but he unfortunately struggled to stay healthy and on the field.  Ballard was drafted by the Colts in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State, and early on in his rookie season he began to see more and more playing time.  He wound up starting 12 games for the Colts in 2012 (and played in all 16) and rushed for 814 yards and two touchdowns, averaging 3.9 yards per carry.  He also caught 17 passes for 152 yards and a touchdown (a very memorable game-winner in overtime).  While those aren't tremendous numbers, Ballard's 814 yards in a season is still the most by a Colts running back since Joseph Addai in 2009.  His rookie season was very promising and most figured that, at worst, he would be a rotational back for several years.  But, after entering the 2013 season as the team's starter (and rushing for 63 yards on 13 carries in the season opener), Ballard tore his ACL the following week in practice.  He returned in 2014, but early on in training camp he tore his Achilles.  Two years, two season-ending injuries.  This year, he once again returned in training camp looking to make a push for a roster spot, but he dealt with lingering hamstring issues.  Though making the initial 53 man roster after final cuts, Ballard was soon after waived with an injury designation.  The decision ultimately came down to the fact that he just wasn't healthy.

It makes sense for a team to bring Ballard in for a look, as he has shown that he's at least capable of solid production in the NFL if he stays healthy.  That's the biggest question mark, though: can he stay on the field?  Outside of his rookie season, he hasn't been able to.  But I wouldn't be surprised to see a team give him a shot next offseason to try to make the team, and I hope he gets another chance and stays healthy.