Browns' Richardson has go-ahead to play
Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson is expected to see his first preseason action on Thursday night when the Browns play the Detroit Lions.
Richardson, who strained a shin muscle during offseason workouts and then was kicked in the same area during training camp, could play in a few series, coach Rob Chudzinski told reporters on Tuesday.
"You want guys to want to play," Chudzinski said. "Trent wants to play. At the same time, he trusts us enough that we will make the right decisions of putting him in a position that he will be ready to play opening day."
The second-year running back did not play in the Browns' exhibition opener last week against the St. Louis Rams and there was speculation that he might sit out the entire preseason as a precaution.
"Oh, he told you I'm playing?" Richardson said. "Hey, I'm surprised like y'all and I'm happy and I can't wait to get up out there."
Richardson did not play in any preseason games last year as a rookie after undergoing knee surgery.
"I kind of had a feeling he was going to say, 'Yeah' today because he had me going in there with starters today," Richardson said. "It felt good when I was out there and I'm happy Coach told y'all I can play."
Richardson rushed for 950 yards last season in 15 games.
"It'll be nice for him to get out there and have him back in the backfield and do some things," Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden said. "He's healthy and I think he feels good and I'm excited to have him back."
