Stephen Holder

stephen.holder@indystar.com

Colts at Bengals, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, WXIN-59

INDIANAPOLIS – Stevan Ridley showed up for work on his first day as an Indianapolis Colts running back just trying to figure out where to start.

It’s less than two weeks before the start of the regular season and the veteran running back, signed as a free agent Sunday, finds himself starting from scratch in learning the Colts’ offense.

“Right now, (I am) just taking in as much of this offense as I can before this last preseason game,” Ridley said. “I can’t learn it all overnight, but no mission is impossible. I just have to pace myself.”

As Ridley works to learn the offense, the Colts will be trying to learn a little about him. Judging from coach Chuck Pagano’s assessment, the Colts are not committing to anything with Ridley.

“We saw a really good football player who was available,” Pagano said. “He’s played really good football in the past. So, there’s an opportunity and we brought him in and worked him out. He’s in great shape. We said let’s kick the tires, take him for a spin and see what happens.”

What cut week is like at the bottom of an NFL roster

So, is this a glorified tryout? Or is Ridley in the Colts’ plans at running back?

We’ll know soon. Final roster cuts are due Saturday, when the Colts must reduce their roster to 53 players. It’s believed that Ridley’s one-year contract contains no guarantees, so finances won’t dictate the Colts’ decisions here.

Ridley might play Thursday night in the Colts’ preseason finale in Cincinnati. If he does, perhaps he’ll demonstrate that he’s fully recovered from a 2014 knee injury that’s still seen as a concern by some in the league.

For his part, Ridley said he’s past the injury.

“One hundred percent,” he said. “I really can say that. The knee is not a problem. If you let others tell the story, you’ll probably think that. But my knee has been fine. I had great doctors, great rehab. I’ve really just been waiting on an opportunity to show what I can do. That’s the biggest thing for me.”

Colts sign vet RB Stevan Ridley, cut 10 others

That opportunity didn’t come in Detroit. Ridley fell behind rookie Dwayne Washington in the battle for what is likely the team’s fourth running back spot and was released Thursday. His lack of contributions on special teams contributed to his place on the depth chart and his value to the team.

Whatever the case, Ridley’s here.

“A great opportunity. I’m very fortunate,” he said of joining the Colts. “… I just have to get in here and see if I can find a role.”

Better pick up the pace in learning that playbook.

Follow IndyStar Colts Insider Stephen Holder on Twitter: @HolderStephen.

Colts at Bengals, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, WXIN-59