Trent Richardson Injury: Updates on Colts RB's Hamstring and Return

Updates on Monday, Oct. 27

Kevin Bowen of Colts.com passed along an update from Chuck Pagano on Trent Richardson's status:

Updates from Sunday, Oct. 26

The Colts confirm Trent Richardson is active for Week 8:

Updates from Friday, Oct. 24

Kevin Bowen of Colts.com has an update on Richardson:

Updates from Thursday, Oct. 23

Trent Richardson's practice status for Thursday was confirmed by Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star:

Updates from Wednesday, Oct. 22

Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star and Steve Andress passed along comments from Chuck Pagano on Trent Richardson:

Updates from Monday, Oct. 20

ESPN's Mike Wells has an update on Trent Richardson:

Original Text

The euphoria from Trent Richardson's 77-yard rushing performance in Week 7 was short lived, as he exited the game with a hamstring injury.

Mike Wells of ESPN has the details:

NFL.com's Connor Orr provides more details on the seemingly minor injury:

The No. 3 overall pick by the Cleveland Browns in 2012, Richardson had pundits drooling about his potential after a rookie campaign that saw him tally 1,317 yards from scrimmage and 12 total touchdowns. But "T-Pain," seemingly nicknamed for the emotion he invokes from his fans, was dreadful last season. 

After a pair of forgettable games to start the season in Cleveland, he was shipped to Indy, where he took a long time to learn the offense, struggled with injuries and finished with 2.9 yards per carry in 14 games.

While still very much a gifted ball-carrier, he struggled to find holes or hit them with any kind of explosiveness, often resembling a slug moving through tar. Pro Football Focus' Mike Clay put it simply:

Nevertheless, as he told ESPN.com's Mike Wells, Richardson entered the season with high expectations: 

"

The comfort level is so much better now. I know the plays, and I’m not playing so tight. I’m really comfortable with the offense, and the timing with the offensive line is coming. I know all my cuts and reads before the snap.

"

He was beginning to show improvement over the last few weeks, but any momentum came to a screeching halt with this newest injury. 

Still, while the Colts don't have great depth at running back, Ahmad Bradshaw has looked like the better player all year, making plays in both the pass and run game. Just a year season removed from a neck injury, though, it's unclear if he handle a full workload on a week-to-week basis should Richardson's hamstring injury linger.

With Vick Ballard lost for the season with a ruptured Achilles' and Chris Rainey released during the preseason, that means 25-year-old Dan Herron and his nine career carries will step into an increased role. 

In other words, if Richardson's injury is serious, Chuck Pagano will soon be searching free agency for anyone who can offer a few touches out of the backfield. 

Still, with Andrew Luck the clear focal point of the offense and playing MVP caliber football under center, there's no reason to panic in Indianapolis.