According to the Cleveland Browns, the rib injury Trent Richardson sustained against the Cincinnati Bengals will require more evaluation.
Reported by Jason LaCanfora, the Browns will hope it's nothing more than a bruise as they look to build some momentum following their first win of the season. Richardson accounts for over 75 percent of Cleveland's team rushing yards, and if they lost him for any period of time it would be a huge blow to their offense.
In a backup role, Montario Hardesty was serviceable, finishing with 56 yards and a touchdown, but he is not a long term option. The Browns are trying to take as much pressure off their rookie QB as possible, by supporting Brandon Weeden with a strong North-South running game to branch their offense from. It's important to note that Richardson is also one of Cleveland's leading receivers, so his absence will be felt in numerous ways, provided he's unable to play.
This story originally appeared on SBNation.com.