Latest News on Trent Richardson and NFL's Injured Stars

It's getting serious. With the preseason upon us, now's the time when injuries, even minor ones, are monitored vigilantly by all 32 NFL teams.

There are plenty of recently injured stars and an abundance coming off 2011 injuries, so a full, league-wide injury report looks like this (via ESPN.com).

What you'll get here is the latest and most pertinent news on the NFL's injured stars.

Kevin Kolb

In the Hall of Fame Game, after completing a short pass while being taken down by New Orleans Saints defensive lineman Sedrick Ellis, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb went down and stayed down.

It was the end of a rather unsettling night for Kolb and Cardinals fans everywhere.

Although some believed the oft-injured signal-caller was severely hurt, that's apparently not the case.

Darren Urban of the Cardinals' official website tweeted this update regarding Kolb in practice:

"

QB Kevin Kolb is practicing this afternoon, working in 11 on 11. #AZvsKC

— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) August 8, 2012"

Rotoworld.com says Kolb will play in the team's second preseason outing.

Good news for the Cardinals. At least their quarterback competition can rage on and the guy who wins the starting job will have undoubtedly earned it.

Trent Richardson

When the news broke that Trent Richardson would have his knee evaluated by Dr. James Andrews, it sent shock waves through every sports fan in Cleveland.

But when more details emerged, the city breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com wrote the following about what exactly Richardson is to have done on his knee:

"

Richardson is tentatively scheduled to have arthroscopic surgery Thursday to remove a "hang nail particle" of loose cartilage that is irritating his left knee, but the rookie is expected to return before the regular-season opener.

"

The former Alabama star is expected to be the focal point of the offense and alleviate pressure on fellow rookie Brandon Weeden, the team's new starting QB.

As long as Richardson is ready for the regular season, that's all that matters, although he may get off to somewhat of a slower start after not receiving many preseason reps.

Adrian Peterson

The news about Adrian Peterson's rehabilitation process has been pouring in all offseason.

He completely blew out his knee during a Christmas Eve game against the Washington Redskins and has been freakishly fast in his recovery thus far.

According to ESPN Twin Cities, the star running back's practice debut "could come as soon as Sunday, when the Vikings return to work here following Friday's exhibition opener at San Francisco."

The report goes on to say that Peterson "doesn't want to wear a knee brace when he returns to action."

If anyone can recover this quickly, it's AP.

Jared Gaither

Gaither's name isn't mentioned as much as some of the other injured stars, but a recent back flare-up in practice is something worth monitoring.

Via the North County Times, the San Diego Chargers left tackle has dealt with back spasms that have "sidelined him most of training camp."

Gaither was quoted in the article as saying:

"

It's really unfortunate. I'm a hard worker. I busted my tail this offseason to put myself in position to have a great camp, and the last thing you want after all that is to be sidelined. You never want to be away from what you love doing.

"

The mammoth edge-protector was solid after being acquired by San Diego late last season. He'll be counted on in 2012 and will be vital to the success of the Chargers' passing game.

Jamaal Charles

Charles is arguably the most dynamic player coming off a 2011 injury (Vikings fans would disagree), and some recent news has surfaced about him and two other teammates who were lost for the year early last season.

According to the Kansas City Star, Charles, tight end Tony Moeaki and safety Eric Berry will play against the Cardinals in Friday's preseason opener.

This report signifies what seems to be the end of the recovery process for the Chiefs' nucleus of playmakers, guys who tore knee ligaments last year.