Ahmad Bradshaw is on his way back after receiving neck surgery to repair an injury he sustained against the San Francisco 49rs last season.
After gashing San Francisco's for 5 yards per carry and 95 yards in the Week 3 Indianapolis victory, Bradshaw's season was over. Colts fans only got a glimpse of what he could do in Offensive Coordinator Pep Hamilton's power running scheme, but it was extremely effective. The Colts best individual running game of the season.
Bradshaw recently told ESPN's Mike Wells, "They fused the bone, the C3 and C4. It's two vertebrae working together now, so I think it makes it stronger." The Colts could have a very potent rushing attack with Vick Ballard returning from his freak knee injury, Trent Richardson looking to bounce back, and a healthy Ahmad Bradshaw.
Quarterback Andrew Luck is also seeing the return of his favorite target and long tenured legend, Reggie Wayne.
Wayne suffered a torn ACL in the thrilling return of Peyton Manning and his Broncos to Lucas Oil Stadium. The loss of Wayne was a major blow to the Colts offense. T.Y Hilton stepped up and had his breakout year, however.
The acquisition of former Giants receiver Hakeem Nicks will bolster an already dangerous offensive unit and give Luck plenty of targets to hit in the passing game. Nicks has had a down year due to the stagnant play of his former quarterback Eli Manning. He is also prone to injury. But if he remains healthy, he will be a major threat lining up with Wayne and Hilton.
The only question mark left in a potentially explosive offense is centered around an offensive line that has been well below average. The retirement of newly signed Center Phil Costa at just 26 years old further complicates the matter, leaving the unproven Khaled Holmes as the only center remaining on the team. The team may have to address the offensive line the best that the front office is able to in the upcoming draft.
The Colts offense can light up the scoreboard this season on the ground or through the air, as long as they have the time to make it happen.