Browns running back Trent Richardson got a step closer to the field at today’s practice, but only a small step: He was riding a stationary bike today, which is the most he’s done at a Cleveland practice since arthroscopic knee surgery three weeks ago.
Now the question is whether Richardson can take a much bigger step and get on the field when the Browns open the season against the Eagles in eight days.
If you believe Browns coach Pat Shurmur, the odds are good. Shurmur described himself as “very optimistic” that Richardson will play against the Eagles.
But if Richardson is going to be able to play, he’s going to need to be able to practice soon. Which is why veteran Browns reporter Tony Grossi wrote that he doesn’t expect Richardson to play against the Ealges.
The Browns are dealing with a number of injuries on both sides of the ball, but Richardson is the player who has the most eyes on him. The Browns had very high hopes when they chose Richardson with the third overall pick in this year’s NFL draft, and it would be a big blow to have him miss the first game of his NFL career.