Rookie running back Trent Richardson returned to practice on Monday for the Cleveland Browns, leading to speculation that he could play in the season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday.
Said coach Pat Shurmur, "If he's ready to go, he will be our starter."
The former Alabama star had surgery on his left knee for the second time on Aug. 9. Richardson missed all four preseason games, and had been rehabbing on his own before returning to practice Monday.
This year's No. 3 overall pick is likely to be a game-time decision, since the Browns will have to wait and see how Richardson recovers from his first, and only, week in practice.
If he cannot go, Montario Hardesty will be the starter. Hardesty was a second-round selection for the Browns in 2010.
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