Trent Richardson had 2 knee surgeries this offseason, including one just about a month ago, but he’s still expected to start this week against the Eagles. However, the Browns may limit his carries after he was limited in practice all week. Montario Hardesty will be the beneficiary of Richardson ceding any carries on early downs, while 3rd down specialist Brandon Jackson will continue to serve in that role.
Still, it’s not a good sign that he’s had two surgeries and rookie running backs have trouble adjusting to the 16 game workload of the NFL historically anyway. 1st round pick running backs have averaged just 165 carries as rookies since 2007. Richardson will probably exceed that number, but I’m not all that hopeful, at least for his rookie year, especially on an offense that figures to be stagnant with so many rookies and 2nd year players playing big roles (6 of 11 offensive starters are in their 1st or 2nd year and that doesn’t include Josh Gordon and Jordan Cameron, who could be starters eventually and Travis Benjamin, who will start the season as their slot receiver). For this week, he’s a borderline starter in fantasy leagues, especially since Philadelphia has the potential offensively to make Cleveland have to abandon the run early.
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