Notes
The Indianapolis Colts are expected to use their running backs more out of the backfield as receivers under new offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton than they did in 2012 with Bruce Arians calling plays. RB Vick Ballard led all Colts rushers with just 17 catches a year ago.
Indianapolis Colts RB Vick Ballard is expected to enter training camp as the team's No. 1 running back, but that doesn't mean RB Donald Brown will not also see playing time. Head coach Chuck Pagano sees Ballard as a player who gets stronger as the game wears on, while Brown is considered more of a home run hitter for the offense. "Can Vick be an every-down guy? Yeah. Can Donnie be an every-down guy? Yeah. They are different types of runners and are more than capable on third down, knowing the protections and picking up blitzers and being effective once they get out to catch the football and doing those things out of the backfield,' Pagano said. "Vick is a solid, solid guy; Donnie is a home run hitter," Pagano said. "If he gets the edge and hits a crease, he can take it the distance.'
Indianapolis Colts RB Vick Ballard carried 18 times for 105 yards in the Week 15 game against the Houston Texans. He did not have any receptions.
Fantasy Impact: This was his first 100-yard game as a pro. He has produced well lately and could be grabbing the starting job going forward.
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Indianapolis Colts RB Vick Ballard will continue to see the majority of the workload in Week 15 with RB Donald Brown (knee) now out for the season and RB Delone Carter (ankle) out for two to three weeks. 'About the same,' interim head coach Bruce Arians concurred, 'and as long as he can stay in there he'll stay in there and when he needs to tap out, Mewelde will go in.' Ballard's 562 rushing yards this year ranks fifth among rookie running backs, and he's started the team's last nine games because he's the best package of runner, receiver and pass protector.
Indianapolis Colts interim head coach Bruce Arians praised RB Vick Ballard Monday, Dec. 10, after his performance in Week 14. Arians said Ballard is powerful, and likened him to former Colts RB Edgerrin James. 'Tough to bring down. Quick. Elusive. He's got a great future,' Arians said.
Fantasy Impact: Ballard seems to be grabbing hold of the starter's job in Indy and could have it the next several seasons.
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Indianapolis Colts RB Vick Ballard finished with 16 carries for 72 yards in Week 11 against the New England Patriots, and he had one catch for seven yards.
Fantasy Impact: Ballard got most of the work and played a solid game.
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Indianapolis Colts RB Vick Ballard has emerged as a reliable receiver out of the backfield, and interim head coach Bruce Arians said Tuesday, Nov. 6, that played a part in the release of veteran RB Mewelde Moore.
Indianapolis Colts RB Vick Ballard had 16 carries for 60 yards in Week 9 against the Miami Dolphins, and he added three receptions for 38 yards. He also fumbled once and recovered it himself.
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Indianapolis Colts RB Vick Ballard had only 25 yards on eight carries in Week 6 against the New York Jets mainly because the offensive line didn't create much push or space to run in. However, Ballard was also indecisive and slow to hit holes.
Fantasy Impact: Not a great option at this point but he has some potential if he keeps starting.
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Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano praised RB Vick Ballard Wednesday, Aug. 22. 'I think he's ahead of the learning curve,' Pagano said. 'He's doing a great job in the run game and the pass game. The protection stuff is coming around on first down. He's a dynamic runner; he's got make-miss ability. He's strong. He gets extra yards. I don't think you ever see him go backwards. Even after first contact, he's going to make people miss, and he's going to have a lot of yards after contact.'
Fantasy Impact: Don't discount Ballard to play a big role this season. Donald Brown doesn't have a firm grip on the starter's job by any means.
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