NFL Rumors: Struggles of Rams RB Daryl Richardson attributed to turf toe

The St. Louis Rams were absolutely woeful on the ground for a large portion of this past season before they stumbled upon Zac Stacy.

But before there was Stacy there was Daryl Richardson, who was given the starting running back duties out of camp.

The Florida native impressed during the final few weeks of the 2012 season but quickly fell off during the 2013 season, only playing in seven games – struggling when he took the field. But now we have a better understanding as to why Richardson had such a difficult time as he was reportedly battling turf toe for the entire year.

"A significant turf toe injury in the season opener knocked Richardson’s second NFL season off track, and he never got back on course. Because of the injury, he couldn’t push off the front of the foot. It not only affected his acceleration — probably the best facet of his game — it made planting and cutting difficult."

Few nagging injuries are worse in football than that of turf toe with the exception of possibly a hamstring, so the struggles are understood. Though it seemingly cost him his starting spot, which is quite unfortunate.