The Indianapolis Colts won’t bench Trent Richardson on Sunday. That’s because the running back has benched himself.
Richardson did not travel to New England for the team’s AFC Championship Game against the Patriots for “personal reasons,” according to Kevin Bowen of the Colts’ official website. Richardson was the only Colts player on the roster who didn’t make the trip.
The 24-year-old Alabama product was deactivated for last week’s AFC divisional-round playoff win over the Denver Broncos, leaving the rushing duties to Dan “Boom” Herron and undrafted rookie Zurlon Tipton.
It’s been a frustrating season for Richardson, who entered the NFL with very high expectations but has struggled since joining the Colts in a trade from the Cleveland Browns in 2013. He averaged just 3.3 yards per carry this season and scored three rushing touchdowns. When the Colts and Patriots met in Week 11, Richardson gained zero yards on six touches.
The loss of Richardson should do little to hinder a Colts offense that led the NFL in passing during the regular season.
Thumbnail photo via Andrew Weber/USA TODAY Sports Images
