FANTASY FOOTBALL NFL PLAYERS

Posted: 4/18/2013 1:49am et

Cleveland Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski said Wednesday, April 17, that RB Trent Richardson will be the team's primary runner, although that is not all he will be used for. "We will use him on first-second down and Trent has some unique skills. He can actually catch the ball well and run routes well out of the backfield. That's one thing out of the last few days that we have been able to see. He is a guy that we could play on three downs. Obviously, we just have to keep him fresh."

Huddle Up: The Browns didn't spend a top-10 pick on Richardson just to have him leave the field on third downs; anything he can contribute in the passing game will be a boon to both the Browns and to Richardson's fantasy value. Sounds like Chudzinski is willing to give Richardson some work on third down, which is a step in the right direction.

Posted: 4/14/2013 11:47pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson (ribs) feels he might have to always deal with some lingering pain after having broken ribs in his rookie season. He expects to be 100 percent by training camp.

Huddle Up: Despite the rib issue and preseason knee concerns, Richardson only missed 1 game during his rookie season and finished ninth among all fantasy backs with 204 points. If the Browns find a capable No. 2 back, Richardson's touches might decrease but his health and points-per-touch production might be the better for it.

Posted: 3/23/2013 3:01pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson was named in a lawsuit filed by two women who said he ordered an attack on them. The alleged attack occurred at a house party at Richardson's home Dec. 9. Richardson's brother, girlfriend and two unnamed friends are also named in the suit. "We are aware of the suit and do not have any comment," Browns spokesman Neal Gulkis said Friday, March 22.

Huddle Up: Richardson could get called into Roger Goodell's office if this lawsuit turns into anything, but odds are the league and the Browns both let the legal system reach its conclusion before worrying about any discipline for Richardson.

Posted: 2/26/2013 10:27pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson said he excited about working with offensive coordinator Norv Turner, because of Turner's history of featuring his backs.

Huddle Up: Richardson came in ninth among all fantasy RBs as a rookie with 204 points (Huddle Performance scoring), but Turner's background with RBs Emmitt Smith, LaDainian Tomlinson, Ricky Williams and Stephen Davis could mean a move into the top 5 for Richardson in 2013.

Posted: 12/31/2012 11:44am et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson admitted that he played with broken ribs for much of the season. Richardson added that he sat out the team's Week 17 game with a high ankle sprain.

Huddle Up: Richardson wasn't right all season, from the preseason knee surgery to the ribs to the ankle. What he was able to accomplish despite the injuries speaks to how good an NFL player he can be, especially if he's able to stay healthy.

Posted: 12/30/2012 6:18pm et

The Cleveland Browns have declared RB Trent Richardson, LB Adrian Moten, QB Brandon Weeden, QB Colt McCoy, OG Jarrod Shaw, TE Jordan Cameron and CB Sheldon Brown inactive for Week 17.

Huddle Up: Richardson, who finished with 1,317 total yards and 12 TDs, had played in the Browns' first 15 games despite pre-season knee concerns, but gave way to Brandon Jackson (8 rushes-54 yards) and Montario Hardesty (14-37) on Sunday.

Posted: 12/28/2012 2:08pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson (ankle) is out for Week 17.

Huddle Up: This seemed fated after a week of touch-and-go reports about Richardson's ankle. Hardesty has had some nice runs this seasons, but there is little reason to trust him against the Steelers defense.

Posted: 12/28/2012 12:04pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson is highly unlikely to play in Week 17.

Huddle Up: Richardson has been banged up all season, probably best for him to take the week off and start resting up for 2013.

Posted: 12/27/2012 1:53pm et

Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Brad Childress said RB Trent Richardson (ankle) could a spot player behind RB Montario Hardesty if he is cleared to play Week 17. Richardson didn't practice Wednesday or Thursday.

Huddle Up: Unless the cupboard is completely barren, you don't want any part of a spot starter with a fantasy title on the line.

Posted: 12/24/2012 11:46am et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson told reporters his ankle is not broken, and no surgery is needed.

Huddle Up: Richardson came into his rookie season injured and was bothered by various bumps and bruises throughout the schedule. An offseason of rest should allow him to build on this year's success in his sophomore campaign.

Posted: 12/23/2012 8:31pm et

Updating a previous report, Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur said Sunday, Dec. 23, that RB Trent Richardson suffered an ankle injury late in the fourth quarter of Sunday's Week 16 game against the Denver Broncos. He is getting X-rays to determine if the ankle is broken.

Huddle Up: Richardson was hurt when he got caught up in traffic protecting the passer, and it would be an inglorius end to a strong rookie season if Richardson were to miss Week 17. He had 68 total yards on 12 touches Sunday.

Posted: 12/19/2012 11:04pm et

Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur said he hasn't thought about benching RB Trent Richardson (ribs) in the final two games of the season.

Huddle Up: That's always comforting to know as more than a few fantasy owners are counting on the productive rookie RB in the playoffs. Richardson ranks sixth among all fantasy RBs with 197 points (Huddle Performance scoring).

Posted: 12/17/2012 11:33am et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson was unhappy with the team's offensive game plan in Week 15. Richardson had 24 yards and a touchdown on his first four carries midway through the first quarter; however, he would finish with 28 yards on 11 attempts--including just two carries in the second half which failed to gain a yard. "We (were) ready for the game," Richardson said. "I think we've just got a game plan, and the game plan we had at the beginning of the game, I think we should've stuck with it. But we didn't stick with the game plan and we tried to go do some other stuff, and the outcome came in a different way." The Browns had just 15 rushes as opposed to 35 passes in a game in which they didn't fall behind by two scores until midway through the third quarter.

Huddle Up: Maybe the Browns weren't sure what to do playing with the lead. Maybe there was concern Richardson, who was ill during the practice week, couldn't handle a larger workload. Or maybe we're seeing yet another reason why the Browns will likely have a new coaching staff for the 2013 season.

Posted: 12/15/2012 4:42pm et

Updating a previous item, Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Brad Childress said the team is 'not there' when it comes to benching RB Trent Richardson (ribs), but he could see a reduction in snaps. 'Are we going to give him a series every now and then, or every third series or something to that nature?' Childress said. 'Yeah, we talk about that.' The lack of big plays has been a problem for Richardson. He is seventh in the NFL in attempts yet has just two plays for more than 20 yards. Meanwhile, RB Montario Hardesty is averaging 4.7 yards per carry this season.

Huddle Up: This process already seems to be under way with Hardesty totaling 15 rushes over the past 2 games -- nearly a third of his season total of 46. Richardson, meanwhile, currently ranks sixth with 186 fantasy points (Huddle Performance scoring), and could his productiveness dip a tick or two.

Posted: 12/13/2012 1:46pm et

Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Brad Childress said he knows RB Trent Richardson (rib) is sore every Wednesday following a game and he doesn't think the running back's injured rib will be completely healed before next year.

Huddle Up: Ailing ribs or not, Richardson has consistently delivered for his fantasy owners of late, scoring or gaining at least 134 total yards in his past 6 games.

Posted: 12/6/2012 11:13am et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson said he took a direct shot to the ribs in the first quarter of the team's Week 13 game. He suffered a rib cartilage injury Oct. 14. "I just played through it," Richardson said. "That was one thing I've always known to do and one thing that I've always been pushed to do is just fight through it." For almost two months, Richardson has been wearing a flak jacket to protect his ribs. Although he has grown accustomed to it, he's still eager to shed it. "It just limits me from putting (the ball) in my left hand like I used to a lot," Richardson said. "Most of the time, I carry the ball in my right hand now. And I've got to get out of that because I'm starting to get used to just carrying in my right hand now. I can't wait until I can finally get (the flak jacket) off and be able to switch to my left hand. I'll start using my stiff arm more, too."

Huddle Up: Good to know that Richardson was able to play through the ding; earlier this year he struggled to play through a rib injury. And it's okay to start salivating about how much better he might play next year--or even later this season--sans flak jacket.

Posted: 11/14/2012 3:13pm et

Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur said RB Trent Richardson (ribs) told him his ribs are feeling better after allowing them to rest during the bye week.

Huddle Up: This was a great time for a bye for Richardson, who looks to finish the season strong. Barring further injury, T-Rich is a RB1 in all formats going forward. Put him in your lineups.

Posted: 11/8/2012 1:38pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson (rib) said he will be even more productive once he returns to full health following a rib-cartilage problem. Richardson has rushed for 227 yards on 49 carries the last two games. 'I haven't been at 100 percent yet, so I'm waiting for that moment,' Richardson said. 'Whenever my ribs do heal, it's going to make a big difference having this bye week. When they heal 100 percent ... it's going to be a whole other Trent.'

Huddle Up: That's scary news for those fantasy GMs who don't own Richardson as the Browns' rookie currently ranks 6th among RBs with 118 fantasy points (Huddle Performance scoring) and, surprisingly, leads the team in receptions with 31.

Posted: 11/2/2012 6:45pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson (chest, rib) was limited in practice Friday, Nov. 2, and is probable for Week 9.

Huddle Up: The injury obviously still is bothering the rookie, but there are no real worries about his Sunday status after he played a week ago and logged season highs for carries (22) and rushing yards (124) in the win over the Chargers.

Posted: 10/31/2012 6:48pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson (chest, rib) was limited in practice Wednesday, Oct. 31.

Huddle Up: While his injury heals, Richardson is going to take it easy in practice and save himself for Sunday. That plan of action played out perfectly in Week 8 as the rookie ran roughshod over the Chargers to the tune of 122 yards and a TD on a season-high 24 carries.

Posted: 10/28/2012 12:35pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson (chest, rib) is active and starting in Week 8 against the San Diego Chargers.

Huddle Up: Richardson still makes for a risky fantasy play as he may be limited in this game.

Posted: 10/26/2012 4:17pm et

Updating a previous report, Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur said he is not sure what RB Trent Richardson's (chest, rib) status for Week 8 will be even though he has had three good days of practice this week.

Huddle Up: Considering Richardson's egg-laying last week, it might be best to find an alternative for your lineup this weekend. Montario Hardesty did a fine job in relief of Richardson last week, and the Browns might be inclined to let the rookie rest and heal.

Posted: 10/25/2012 12:08pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson intends to be ready for the team's Week 8 game. He has not been given any indication the Browns intend to rest him before the Nov. 11 bye week. "Nah, they ain't told me that," Richardson said. "They already know what my mindset is. I'm not going to sit down. 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." Richardson said he is frustrated because he has yet to play at 100 percent this season because of multiple ailments. "It's frustrating because I want to be out there all the time," Richardson said, "I want to be 100 percent and the league hasn't seen me at 100 percent yet. I mean I had two surgeries in less than (six) months, so I still do a little rehab not to get off track and stuff. That's just being a professional."

Huddle Up: While Richardson may be correct that he has yet to be fully healthy as a pro, it also means he's developing a reputation as injury-prone. Sounds like he intends to play through the rib injury this week, even though that didn't work out particularly well last week. Fantasy owners should proceed with caution.

Posted: 10/24/2012 12:53pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson (rib) will participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 24. Head coach Pat Shurmur said Richardson will play Week 8 if he is healthy enough.

Huddle Up: This seems like good news for Richardson, but he practiced last week before underwhelming in the first half of what seemed like an excellent matchup for the rookie running back. Eight yards on eight carries due in part to his injury got him benched in the second half against the Colts, who had just allowed Shonn Greene to run them over the week before. Proceed with caution this week.

Posted: 10/23/2012 12:12am et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson (ribs) could be shut down for upcoming home games against the San Diego Chargers and Baltimore Ravens, letting him rest through the bye week, coming back Nov. 18 against the Dallas Cowboys. 'If we see that this is bothering him to the point where he can't perform, then we'll make those decisions as we go,' head coach Pat Shurmur said Monday, Oct. 22.

Huddle Up: Richardson's 8-carry 8-yard performance trying to play with the injury Sunday was a bad situation all around as it turned out the RB was hurting worse than first believed. Richardson is going to have to show he's close to full health in practice before the Browns send him out again. In the meantime, backup Mario Hardesty needs to be owned in all leagues.

Posted: 10/22/2012 3:34pm et

Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur said the team will get RB Trent Richardson (rib) ready to play each week and will see how he is at the end of the week.

Huddle Up: Well this certainly will be fun for Richardson owners.

Posted: 10/22/2012 12:13pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson said he could have continued playing in Week 7 despite having a rib injury and didn't ask to come out of the game; however, the running back acknowledged the injury limited him. "The injury was pretty bad, I guess it limited me a lot," Richardson said. "It hurt me inside just not being out there ... I didn't want to come out." Richardson added the injury is "much bigger" than what people think it is. Although he is not suffering a lot of pain, Richardson said he is not himself.

Huddle Up: There's a point with all athletes where they have to accept that playing at less than 100 percent is actually hurting the team, and it appears Richardson crossed that line Sunday. Richardson's fantasy owners should be ready for limited availability--and/or limited productivity--going forward, with Montario Hardesty as the Brown most likely to pick up the slack.

Posted: 10/21/2012 4:56pm et

Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur said RB Trent Richardson did not suffer any new injury in Week 7. Richardson was limited during the game because his injured ribs affected his play.

Huddle Up: Richardson was true to his word and played Sunday despite a rib-cartilage injury, but even wearing a protective flak jacket, he was limited to a career-low 8 yards on 8 carries and 2 catches for 11 yards in a 17-13 loss to the Colts. He was held out the entire second half. The rookie may not have aggravated the ailment, but the original injury still could keep Richardson's numbers down in the next few games.

Posted: 10/19/2012 6:42pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson (chest, rib) was limited during practice Friday, Oct. 19, and is listed as questionable for Week 7.

Huddle Up: Richardson still is hurting to be sure, but it was stated Thursday that the rookie is scheduled to play and start wearing a flak jacket on Sunday. Even so, expect backup Mario Hardesty to get more than his usual share of work at the same time.

Posted: 10/18/2012 7:01pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson (chest, rib) will wear a flak jacket in Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts. Richardson is expected to start in the game, and he said the extra padding won't change his rushing style. 'My game's not going to be no different,' Richardson said. 'I'm still going to play physical and play hard- nosed football, smash-mouth football. That's what I was brought up to do, and that's how I know how to play football.' RBs Montario Hardesty and Chris Ogbonnaya will step in if Richardson is limited at all, and head coach Pat Shurmur is confident in the backups if needed.

Huddle Up: Richardson's main ailment is to his rib cartilage, and he's been limited in each of the past 2 days at practice. After departing in the third quarter Sunday with his injury, the rookie finished with his worst fantasy outing (54 total yards, no TDs) since the season opener.

Posted: 10/17/2012 12:27pm et

Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur said RB Trent Richardson (ribs) will participate in practice Wednesday, Oct. 17.

Huddle Up: Good news for Richardson owners, who got hit with a bad game from the rookie due to the injury last week. The rookie gets a fantastic matchup this week against the Colts, who gave up three touchdowns to Shonn Greene last week.

Posted: 10/16/2012 7:33pm et

It's still unknown if Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson (rib) will play in Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts. Head coach Pat Shurmur said Richardson remains day-to-day. He'll likely be limited in practice this week after rushing for only 37 yards on 14 carries last week.

Huddle Up: Richardson has said he plans to play this week, but expect the Browns to proceed with caution with the draft's No. 3 overall pick. Much will depend on what Richardson is able to do in practice late in the week.

Posted: 10/15/2012 3:55pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson (rib) expects to play in Week 7 against the Indianapolis Colts after injury his rib cartilage in Week 6. 'I took a shot, but I'll be back,' said Richardson. 'I'll be ready for next week.' The team will likely limit his participation this week in practice.

Huddle Up: Richardson ended his string of good games, but assuming he is good to go his is a must start every week, being ranked in the top 5 RBs in PPR.

Posted: 10/15/2012 11:30am et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson will undergo an MRI Monday, Oct. 15, according to a source.

Huddle Up: Richardson left the Browns' Week 6 win with sore ribs. Montario Hardesty came on for Cleveland and would be the team's primary ball-carrier if Richardson misses any significant time.

Posted: 10/14/2012 11:32pm et

Updating a previous report, Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson (back, ribs, side) said after the Week 6 game against the Cincinnati Bengals that he expects to be fine. 'I took a shot but I'll be back. I'll be ready for next week,' Richardson said.

Huddle Up: That would be a big boon for Richardson's fantasy owners as the RB would be pitted against the Colts' pourous run defense in Week 7.

Posted: 10/14/2012 5:40pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson (flank) left in the third quarter of the team's Week 6 game against the Cincinnati Bengals because of a flank injury. He was listed as probable to return but didn't log another touch in the contest.

Huddle Up: Richardson's injury reportedly was to the abdomen and rib area, where he experienced some swelling. He finished with 14 rushes for 37 yards and 2 catches for 17. Montario Hardesty filled in and finished with 15 rushes for 56 yards and a TD. He also had a catch for 9 yards.

Posted: 10/5/2012 11:43pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson is confident he'll be able to find some running room against the New York Giants in Week 5. 'If we put a hat on a number, just cover them up, I think we can get yards on 'em. But at the same time, I know they're going to throw everything they can at us,' Richardson said. 'I'm pretty sure they're going to game plan on our running game, so we've got to make sure we open up the passing game so we can get some good runs in.'

Huddle Up: Gotta admire the rook's confidence, and his pre-game analysis is right on the mark. The Giants rank in the league's bottom half with 473 rushing yards allowed in 4 games, but the defending Super Bowl champs are going to crowd the box until QB Brandon Weeden can soften things up by connecting on some downfield strikes.

Posted: 10/5/2012 3:46pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson (personal) did not practice Friday, Oct. 5, but is probable for Week 5.

Huddle Up: Richardson missed practice due to the birth of his third child, not injury. He should be a full go this weekend.

Posted: 9/25/2012 6:28pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson (knee) fully participated in practice Tuesday, Sept. 25.

Huddle Up: The Browns' heralded rookie has bounced back nicely from a slow start in Week 1 to rank eighth overall among fantasy RBs with 42 points (Huddle Performance scoring). On Thursday Night Football, he faces a Baltimore defense that ranks in the middle-of-the NFL pack with the 16th-most points allowed to opposing RBs.

Posted: 9/19/2012 6:20pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson (knee) practiced in full Wednesday, Sept. 19.

Huddle Up: Looking just fine after a pair of offseason knee procedures, the third-overall pick won over fantasy owners -- and even former Cleveland great Jim Brown -- with his 145 total yards and 2 TDs in Sunday's loss to the Bengals. With no other Browns RB even having logged a carry so far, Richardson is a no-doubt RB1 going forward.

Posted: 9/12/2012 4:23pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson (knee) said he was ok after the teams Week 1 game. "I've had no problems with the knee," Richardson said.

Huddle Up: This is good news going forward as Richardson hopes to bounce back from a poor showing against the Eagles. If he can stay healthy, he will get the majority of the workload.

Posted: 9/11/2012 5:10pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson ran for only 38 yards on 19 carries in the team's Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Richardson showed good burst at the line but failed to extend rushing plays further. He was on the field for 43 of the team's 62 plays in the game. 'We had to put a leash on him to get him out of there. He won a couple times getting back in there. That's what you want from a guy that plays that position,' head coach Pat Shurmur said.

Huddle Up: Rust is something Richardson's fantasy owners are going to have to expect and deal with in the early going after the RB has had, not one, but two knee procedures since he finished his college career at Alabama. Bank on Richardson's potential and him getting better as the season goes on if you're second guessing the high draft pick you spent to acquire him.

Posted: 9/8/2012 11:28pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson (knee) is ready to go for Week 1 after making progress in practice during the week, according to a source with knowledge of the situation. Richardson should see plenty of snaps in the game.

Huddle Up: Count on Richardson playing. How many touches he sees is another matter entirely. Put yourselves in the shoes of the Browns' brass: How many carries do you want to give the franchise's new prize possession right out of the gate after 2 knee surgeries this year?

Posted: 9/7/2012 6:07pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson (knee) was limited in practice Friday, Sept. 7, and is questionable for Week 1.

Huddle Up: Indications are that Richardson will play barring a setback. Brandon Jackson will be taking passing-down duties, though, and Richardson does not exactly have a good matchup against the Eagles. Monitor his status on Sunday morning.

Posted: 9/7/2012 2:41pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson (knee) said he expects to play Week 1 after being able to practice this week. He said his left knee is feeling good.

Huddle Up: The question is how much. Brandon Jackson is in line to get passing-down work, and the Browns could fall behind early enough to render Richardson useless. If fully healthy, Richardson is a must-start. Coming off an injury and playing against the Eagles make him a borderline RB2.

Posted: 9/5/2012 5:05pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson (knee) says he is mentally prepared for Week 1. Richardson is day-to-day and is confident in his left knee. He has not experienced any swelling and is eager to take a hit.

Huddle Up: The trajectory is positive on Richardson for Week 1 as it looks like he will be ready to play against the Eagles. How much and how effectively are an entirely different question as he has missed the past several weeks after knee surgery. The Eagles figure to be a tough matchup that could have the Browns playing catchup early, reducing the prospects that Richardson will have a big debut either way.

Posted: 9/4/2012 11:43pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson's (knee) Week 1 status will be determined over the Browns' next two practices Wednesday, Sept. 5, and Thursday, Sept. 6. If he gets through both practices without issue, he will likely play in Week 1, even if it is on a limited basis.

Huddle Up: The rookie most likely was drafted as a RB1 or RB2, depending on your league size, and a number of eyes will be scanning practice reports coming out of Northern Ohio the next couple days.

Posted: 9/3/2012 12:08pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson returned to practice Monday, Sept. 3 and looked smooth running drills during the 15-minute viewing portion of practice with no signs of limping. Richardson wore a protective rubber sleeve over his knee.

Huddle Up: The Browns have indicated that if Richardson can practice this week he'll play in Week 1, and this is certainly a step in the right direction. If you spent a high pick to add the rookie to your fantasy roster, be ready to get him into your lineup.

Posted: 9/2/2012 11:54pm et

Cleveland Browns RB Trent Richardson (knee) wore a black sleeve on his left leg as he rode a stationary bike during the media portion of practice Sunday, Sept. 2. Head coach Pat Shurmur said he is 'very optimistic' that Richardson will be ready in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles. 'He's very close (to practicing),' Shurmur said. 'He's done a lot behind the scenes, of course, that I haven't talked about. We have drill work where it's controlled where he gets banged around a little bit.'

Huddle Up: It's looking and sounding like Richardson may play in Week 1, but those counting on him as an RB1 are likely going to have to wait a few weeks until his knee gets a little stronger.

Posted: 8/25/2012 7:53pm et

Cleveland Browns general manager Tom Heckert said there is a good chance that RB Trent Richardson (knee) will be able to play Week 1.

Huddle Up: The rookie's fantasy value has been dimmed by his 2 offseason knee surgeries, the last one coming 2 weeks ago. Richardson eventually will be the team's unquestioned No. 1 back, but it may take a few weeks of sharing carries with backups Montario Hardesty and Brandon Jackson before he's ready.