New Year Brings Little Relief as Ballard Lays Blame on Injuries and Team Turnover

The Indianapolis Colts’ latest playoff absence has prompted a familiar refrain from general manager Chris Ballard: injuries, free agency, and a lack of continuity. “I think we’ve made it clear throughout the year that we’re in a rebuild phase,” Ballard said. “We’re not going to win 10 games next year or any year unless we make some big changes.” The Colts’ offense, once touted as one of the top units in the league, was decimated by injuries to key players like Jonathan Taylor and Michael Pittman Jr. “We just didn’t have enough healthy bodies to go out there and compete at a high level,” Ballard admitted. “That’s on me as a GM, that’s on our medical staff, and that’s on our coaches for not being able to manage those guys better.” On the defensive side of the ball, Ballard pointed to a lack of depth and a reliance on unproven young players. “We’re going to have to re-evaluate our roster and make some tough decisions this offseason,” he said. “We can’t keep putting all our eggs in one basket with a few guys who we think are franchise pieces.” The Colts’ front office has been busy retooling the team, making moves that will likely impact next season’s product. “We’re going to be more aggressive in free agency, we’re going to be more active in the draft,” Ballard promised. “We’re not going to stand pat and expect different results.” For now, though, the focus is on healing and rebuilding. The Colts’ playoff-less season was a harsh reminder that it’s going to take time – and patience – to turn things around in Indy. “Rebuilding takes time, it takes effort, and it takes sacrifice,” Ballard said. “We’re willing to put in the work and make the tough decisions necessary to get this franchise back on track.”