Trent Richardson to Play in Week 1? 

Cleveland Browns highly-touted running back, Trent Richardson, practiced with the team on Wednesday for just the second time since being drafted third overall this April. Nonetheless, he appears ready to make his debut as the Browns starting running back when the team hosts the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.

Mary Kay Cabot of The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that Richardson–who missed the entire preseason after arthroscopic knee surgery on August 9th–is ready to play and make an impact with his new team. The 21-year-old running back said he was “very antsy” to get on the field and play. “I’ve got to make sure I’m a part of this team, I’ve got to get on that field and contribute,” he said.

Richardson–who won a national championship last season while at Alabama–revealed that he could’ve played in the first preseason game, but Browns head coach Pat Shurmur, “didn’t want to take that chance and end up [with me] being injured even more.”

Analysts and fans alike have wanted to see Richardson out on the field and what the talented young running back can do. And even though most would think that not playing this preseason has been a setback for him, he assures that there’s nothing to worry about.

“I’ve been studying all my plays every day, I’m still in the meetings,” said Richardson. “I’ve got fresh legs, so I’m ready to go.”

We will see if all that translate into a successful debut for Richardson come Sunday against the Eagles.

Fantasy Analysis

Trent Richardson was a unanimous selection for All-American last season at Alabama, and his talent level makes it no surprise that the Browns selected him third overall in the draft. The problem in regards to fantasy is that none of us have any clue how he will perform in his first NFL game, or if his knee will cause him any trouble. We can’t assume that he will or will not play well, so I’d say wait to see how he does before going after him. And for those of you that already have him on your fantasy team, hold off for the first game or two until you really know what you have in Richardson.

About the author: Michael Cellars

Michael Cellars currently attends Kent State University, where he is majoring in English with minors in writing and psychology. In addition to his studies, he serves in the Ohio Army National Guard. During his free time, he surrounds himself with as much of the NFL as possible, and writes for football websites NFL Soup and Football Nation. Michael’s favorite team is the Green Bay Packers, who he has been an avid fan for his entire life.