Trent Richardson Injury: Latest on Browns RB Week 1 Status and Fantasy Value

Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson missed the entire preseason due to a scope on his left knee. The star rookie has been making steady progress in recent weeks, giving hope to Browns fans and fantasy football owners that he'll be available for Week 1.

Keep checking back throughout the week, as we will provide updates on Richardson's playing status and potential fantasy value as the Browns prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles in an early game on Sunday afternoon.

UPDATE: Sunday, September 9, 7:30 a.m. ET by Donald Wood

Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson, who underwent knee surgery and missed the entire preseason, will play and start today as the team squares off against the Philadelphia Eagles.

NFL Network insider Albert Breer is reporting on Twitter about Cleveland’s actives/inactives:

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Good AM. Couple nuggets: Browns RB Trent Richardson (knee surgery) will start today. And LB Scott Fujita is unlikely to play, per sources.

— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) September 9, 2012"

For the Cleveland Browns fans ready to watch their prized first-round pick take the field, the news that he will start is exactly what they want to hear. How much he plays is still yet to be decided, but the fact that he will be the primary back is a great sign.

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Update: Friday, Sept. 7 at 3:17 p.m. ET

Trent Richardson is ready and expected to play on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com.

La Canfora tweeted on Friday:

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Hearing that Trent Richardson is "ready to go" for Sunday's opener after missing much of preseason with knee scope. Expected to play.

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) September 7, 2012"

Update: Thursday, Sept 6 at 7:35 a.m. ET

Richardson will suit up for a full practice today for the first time since his knee scope last month, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. He has not experienced any swelling or setbacks during the process so far.

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"I'm very anxious to take a pop and give one," he said. "In my head, it's I'm going get hit or give a hit. To me, if you're a running back you don't want to get hit too many times. You want to give that first hit. I can't wait."

"

It appears the rookie running back is on track to play in Sunday's season opener. His workload probably won't be determined until he gets a couple practices under his belt, though. That means fantasy owners should continue to monitor the situation right up until game time at 1 p.m.

Update: Monday, Sept. 3 at 11 a.m. ET

Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that Richardson returned to practice on Monday, taking part during individual drills with a sleeve on his knee. It's the first step toward having him available for the season opener.

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#browns t-Richardson (knee) participating in individual drills so far, sleeve on scoped knee. Shells and shorts today.

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) September 3, 2012"

Richardson will probably ramp up his practice intensity throughout the week. The Browns already illustrated that they aren't going to take an unnecessary chances with the third overall pick and future face of the franchise.

Fantasy owners will want to track the situation closely throughout the week, because if Richardson has no setbacks and is announced as the starter, he will be a valuable commodity in Week 1. He's the most explosive player on the Browns offense and should get plenty of touches.

That said, Pat McManamon of Fox Sports Ohio predicted on Sunday that Richardson will either not play at all or will receive a limited workload if he's active for the opener. So it's clear that the running back isn't out of the woods yet.

A better look at his status should become available by the middle of the week when the Browns start picking up the pace in their practices.