Archive for the ‘Cleveland Browns’ Category

Trent Richardson wants nothing more than to play Sunday against the San Diego Chargers. He let that be known after practice Wednesday:

“That’s just never been in me to sit down. I only sat a game when I had to and I couldn’t go out there. I’m going to go out there and see what I can do. If I can’t finish the game, [backup running back] Montario [Hardesty is] going to be there and he’s going to do what he [does] every week when I’m not in the game.”

Fast forward to today, when Richardson was officially listed as questionable despite having three good days of practice this week, according to head coach Pat Shurmur. Richardson has been dealing with a nagging rib cartilage injury that he tried to play through last week. In the game against the Colts, he carried the ball eight times for only eight yards, both season lows for the third-overall pick in the 2012 draft.

If Richardson can go, he will be up against a Chargers defense that holds opposing running backs to just 71.2 yards per game on the ground, good for second best in the NFL. So it’ll definitely a tough task ahead for both him and backup Montario Hardesty, who would be pressed into the starter’s role if Richardson is a late scratch.

This is a difficult situation, because if you’ve handcuffed Hardesty to Richardson it’s hard to know which one to start, because even if T-Rich starts the game he’s not sure if he’ll finish. Given where you drafted him, you’re likely forced to play Richardson if he is indeed starting. So rub a rabbit’s foot or something, but brace for another week of diminished returns.

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Those are pretty much the worst words I’ve ever heard on a Monday. Actually, no, the worst Monday words came earlier this morning when I was informed that our office coffee maker which grinds fresh, delicious beans is out of service for several days. Worlds asploded.

But that’s selfish, as my high-caffeine needs are secondary to your running back needs, especially those of you in keeper leagues who spent highly on Trent Richardson. We need to step back from our ledge, friends, because T-Rich still has the same high ceiling long-term keeper value due to his bulky frame that’s paired with great speed. So no worries there.

In the short term, though, there’s plenty of reason to be worried, especially with a player at a notoriously brutal position who’s already off to a slow start after recovering from August knee surgery.

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If a player — any player at all, at any position — is going to do something productive and contribute in any way whatsoever, there’s one essential piece of equipment he needs to wear. No, not a cup, although that’s highly recommended.

It’s a helmet. In a game where head beatings are commonplace, modern technology has done wonders to guard the head and the brain matter inside. So when a player isn’t wearing his helmet and is instead stylin’ with a hat on while standing and doing nothing on the sideline, that’s not ideal for your fantasy bottom line.

Feel the pain, Trent Richardson owners.

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Trent Richardson owners held their breath for a few moments Sunday after the Browns running back left Cleveland’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals with what some were calling a “flank” injury. Although the team tweeted that his return was probable, Richardson didn’t return, finishing with 37 yards on 14 carries.

Thankfully, after undergoing an MRI today, it looks like the news on Richardson is far better than the doom surrounding DeMarco Murray.

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