Browns' Richardson sits out

By foxsports
Published

Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson missed practice Friday because of a bruised right shin, but coach Rob Chudzinski said it was strictly a precautionary move.

''If he had to play or practice today, Trent could have,'' Chudzinski said. ''I'm not worried. I just decided to hold him out. This is part of our plan to keep him rested and get him ready for the season.''

Richardson was inadvertently kicked during a training camp practice Thursday.

The second-year pro sat out the Browns' entire minicamp in June with a lower right shin strain, but said the injuries were not related or anything to be concerned about.

''I was kind of upset and fighting with Coach a little bit today to allow me to practice,'' said Richardson, who rushed for a team-high 950 yards and scored 12 touchdowns last season. ''This ain't nothing, but he explained it to me. He was just resting me, saying I was running a lot already, and it's only August.

''It is what it is. I agree with everything Coach says. I'll be back out here when he lets me back out there.''

Richardson - the third overall draft pick in 2012 out of Alabama - missed the entire preseason as a rookie after undergoing two arthroscopic procedures on his left knee. He has vowed to play in all four exhibition games this year, beginning with Cleveland's opener Thursday against the St. Louis Rams.

Chudzinski said he is on board with Richardson's plan, but will hold him out of practice Saturday in order to give him three straight days of rest. The Browns' players have Sunday off.

''If we were in the Hall of Fame game right now, I'd be playing in it,'' Richardson said. ''I'm playing in every game this year. That's my word, and that's what I'm going to do.

''There ain't no kick that's going to stop me from running. I might get kicked in the shin two years from now and have the same thing. This is nothing to be worried about.''

Richardson played in and started 15 games last year despite suffering several broken ribs against Cincinnati on Oct. 14. The 5-foot-9, 230-pounder sat out the Browns' season finale at Pittsburgh on Dec. 30 with an ankle injury.