The Facts:
Cleveland Browns head coach Pat Shurmur told reporters the goal is to get rookie running back Trent Richardson ready to play Week 8 versus the San Diego Chargers. Richardson had a setback with his rib injury last Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts and spent most of the game on the sideline. "We're going to get him ready to go every week, decide if he can play," Shurmur said. "Trent's a warrior and he wanted to play the whole game. He was trying to convince me. We'll just watch him practice, see where he's at physically. If he's ready, he'll play." Shurmur is said to be considering shutting Richardson down for the upcoming home games against the Chargers and Ravens, resting him through the bye and bring him back for the Week 11 road game in Dallas.
Reported by the Cleveland Plain Dealer
Fantasy Football Diehards Line:
Richardson landed on the "Come on, man" lists of many fantasy owners who regretted starting the rookie with the favorable match-up after he was cleared to play. Despite the flak jacket, the painful rib injury hampered Richardson considerably and he sat out part of the second quarter and all of the second half against the Giants. He finished the day with eight rushing yards on eight carries. As much as it stinks to have Richardson on ice during a bye week, he is at risk for another setback in Week 8 if he isn't 100 percent and that puts your fantasy team at risk too. Montario Hardesty would likely start in place of Richardson, so fantasy owners should handcuff him to cover their fantasy assets. Consider Hardesty a flex option in Week 8 against the Chargers if he starts over Richardson. The Browns use Chris Ogbonnaya in the passing game whether Richardson is in or out. Be sure to check Richardson's status before inserting him in your Week 8 lineup.
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