The Cleveland Browns expect running back Trent Richardson to play in the team's regular-season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The first-round pick has had two knee surgeries already this year, but the Browns believe that he'll be ready to contribute when the season starts on Sept. 9.

While Richardson should become the focus of Cleveland's offensive attack in time, Schefter says that his workload will likely be limited early in the season while he builds strength. The running back had arthroscopic surgery on his knee on Aug. 9, just a few months after having the procedure done in February.

While it's still not a lock that Richardson will play in the opener, this is good progress for the third-overall pick. He still isn't even on the field yet, but he should be a major boost to Cleveland's running game.

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