The Indianapolis Colts traded a 2014 first-round draft pick for running back Trent Richardson, so there's no chance he's not on the team's roster come September. He certainly hasn't earned a spot, though.
Richardson's sophomore season was tremendously disappointing. The Cleveland Browns, the team that used the No. 3 overall pick to select him in 2012, gave up on him and shipped him off to the Colts after Week 2. Then things went downhill.
In Indianapolis, Richardson rushed for a mere 458 yards on 157 carries. That equates to a woeful 2.9 yards per carry average.
Against the Kansas City Chiefs in the Wild Card round of the NFL playoffs, Richardson fumbled away his lone carry. Against the Patriots in the Divisional Round, Richarson amassed just one yard rushing on three carries. It's almost impossible -- literally -- to do worse.
Despite Richardson's struggles, Indianapolis Colts general manager Ryan Grigson told reporters Thursday he and his team are committed to Richardson.
Grigson laid things on pretty thick, talking up Richardson like he's some kind of budding superstar and not a player on the verge of being a colossal bust.
Grigson: Trent Richardson. Showed some progress. It's all about comfort level and confidence. We have patience. He's not going anywhere
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) January 16, 2014
Grigson: We don't win 12 games if Trent Richardson isn't here. Trent fits all the things we're trying to do here.
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) January 16, 2014
Grigson: Richardson played a valuable role for us. I know he's not satisfied. Glad he's not. But glad he's here. Happy with Trent
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) January 16, 2014
Four carries for one yard and one lost fumble in the playoffs. That's an interesting definition of "valuable."