Even though he did not reveal if he broke a rib in Sunday's game, Cleveland Browns tailback Trent Richardson confirmed to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal that he will wear protective padding this weekend against the Colts.
The rookie running back was knocked out of his team's Week 6 win over Cincinnati late in the first half, and reported trouble breathing after the hit according to Tom Withers of The Associated Press. Richardson carried the ball just 14 times for 37 yards before being shut down for the day, allowing backup Montario Hardesty to pile up a respectable amount of yardage with the Browns actually ahead on the scoreboard late in the game.
Richardson may be less than 100% for Sunday's Week 7 showdown at Lucas Oil Stadium against fellow rookie Andrew Luck, but the 5'9, 230-pound back is hardly the type of player to let an injury diminish his impact level in a game. Despite being surprisingly adept at shutting down opposing quarterbacks, Indianapolis's defense has yielded 159 rushing yards per game so far this year, offering a great opportunity for Richardson to topple the 100-yard rushing mark for the 2nd time in his career.
#Browns RB Trent Richardson declined to say whether he broke rib Sunday. Plans to wear special padding on ribs vs. #Colts.
— Nate Ulrich (@NateUlrichABJ) October 17, 2012