Is the neck issue precautionary or potentially long term? Indy homers????
I don't have any information, but I think it could be one of a few things:
1-Pagano isn't Coughlin, and has no history with Bradshaw. Many coaches won't let players play if they don't practice. In NY, Bradshaw was often on the injury report because of limited/no practice, then he would play on Sundays/Mondays. Maybe that's not Pagano's way.
2-Bradshaw's neck injury gave the Colts the perfect opportunity to give Richardson the reins, so to speak, this week. The Jags aren't a tough opponent, and it would allow Richardson to get a lot of work in the Colts offense. If Bradshaw was active/healthy, it would be hard to bench him/cut his PT, based on his performance. If Bradshaw was/is a "locker room leader," (and I don't know if he is/isn't) that could have a bad impact on team moral.
3-Bradshaw's injury is significant. While this is possible, I find it the least likely. The play where he got hurt came early in the SF game, and he did most of his work/damage after it occurred. He played almost 2.5 quarters after the injury, and there have been no further reports (that I know of) about the injury. One would think, if it were serious, that there would be something out there.
I tend to think it's a combination of reasons 1 & 2 above. Pagano might want/need to see Bradshaw practice in order to play (plus, Bradshaw isn't as familiar with the offense/his teammates as he was in NY) and the Colts saw an opportunity to give their new lead RB more work. Hopefully, for Bradshaw's sake, it's not a serious neck injury.