Report: Colts visiting with running back Stevan Ridley

The Indianapolis Colts are still looking for someone to emerge behind Frank Gore on the depth chart at running back, and while they have interesting candidates on their roster they could very well be looking for outside help too.

According to NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo, the Colts are working out running back Stevan Ridley today.

Ridley was drafted by the New England Patriots in the third round of the 2011 NFL Draft out of LSU, and he had a very good start to his career with the Patriots before tearing his ACL in 2014. He signed with the New York Jets for 2015 and then signed with the Detroit Lions this offseason, but the team released him yesterday. In 2012 he rushed for 1,263 yards and 12 touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards per carry, while in 2013 he rushed for 773 yards and ten touchdowns while averaging 4.3 yards per rush. Clearly, he has been a productive running back in the NFL, but his production has dropped off in the past two years since his torn ACL. Overall, he has played in 60 games (starting 26) and has rushed for 2,907 yards and 22 touchdowns (averaging 4.2 yards per carry) and has caught 27 passes for 144 yards (averaging 5.3 yards per catch).

Ridley could be an interesting option for the Colts if he’s truly recovered, as he would add to the depth at the position that has guys like Robert Turbin, Jordan Todman, and Josh Ferguson among those competing for the spots behind Frank Gore. Keep in mind that just because the Colts are working him out doesn’t mean a signing will happen, but it’s something worth paying attention to.