Cleveland Browns Head Coach Rob Chudzinski confirmed today that running back Trent Richardson will not play in the preseason opener Thursday against the St. Louis Rams. Richardson re-injured the same shin last week that he originally hurt in May, but he did practice lightly this week.
This is merely a precautionary move, as Chudzinski doesn’t want to risk losing his best offensive player before the regular season even begins:
"We’re going to be smart. It’s the preseason. We’ve have a plan for that and we’re making sure he gets reps as needed out here in practice and we build him to be ready for the beginning of the season.’"
Richardson did not play in any of Cleveland’s exhibition games a year ago, when he was recovering from minor knee surgery. He recently said one of his goals was to play in all four of Cleveland’s preseason games. Richardson took part in some drills on Wednesday, but was not on the field during team activities.
Richardson played most of his rookie season with two broken ribs and still rushed for 950 yards. Dion Lewis will start in Richardson’s spot.