INDIANAPOLIS — After putting running back Ahmad Bradshaw on injured reserve with a broken left fibula, the Indianapolis Colts tried to add some punch by adding veteran return specialist Josh Cribbs.

Losing Bradshaw, who leads the team with 425 yards rushing, coach Chuck Pagano admitted it was an emotional hit.

“It kills you … it kills you,” Pagano said. “He’s a warrior. He loves football. He loves his teammates. He loves the ‘Shoe’. He loves competing. Throw out the production. Throw out everything he does,” Pagano said.

“He’s just a great player and a great teammate. We’re going to miss his energy, his passion and everything he brings to the table during the week, during preparation and then certainly on game day. You hate it. You hate to see it.”

With Bradshaw out for the season, will the Colts stand pat with running backs Trent Richardson and Daniel “Boom” Herron? Pagano said that’s the plan for now.

“That’s what the expectations are,” Pagano said. “When something happens and you have an injury, it’s next man up. We’re going to have to, again, collectively, as an entire unit, as an entire offense, we’re going to have to find ways to get the run game going and generate some yards on the ground,” the Colts coach said.

“Now Boom will have an opportunity. We’ve seen glimpses of Boom in the preseason and at other times. We know he’s more than capable. I know Boom will prepare. He always prepares as a starter. I think he’ll do fine, and he’ll take advantage of this opportunity.”

Along with signing Cribbs, the Colts also signed free agent tight end Wesley Saunders to the active roster.

The Colts signed free agent return specialist Josh Cribbs and free agent tight end Weslye Saunders to the active roster and waived outside linebacker Victor Butler.

Cribbs (6-1, 192) is a three-time Pro Bowl selection (2007, 2009, 2012), two-time NFL All-Pro selection (2007, 2009) and a member of the NFL All-Decade Team (2000s). He leads all active players in career kickoff returns and yards and ranks fifth in NFL history in combined kickoff/punt return touchdowns with 11.

Cribbs is expected to take over as the Colts’ primary punt and kickoff returner. Cribbs may also see some work on offense.

Running back Michael Hill was signed to the practice squad and wide receiver Eric Thomas was released.