Trent Richardson Reportedly Will Start for Cleveland Browns Week 1

Cleveland Browns rookie running back Trent Richardson will start Week 1 of the season on Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles. 

This is according to NFL Network reporter Albert Breer via Twitter on Sunday morning:

"

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"

UPDATE: Sunday, September 9 at 11:00 a.m. ET by Patrick Clarke

Trent Richardson is thrilled to start and fulfill multiple roles for Cleveland in Sunday's game against the Philadelphia Eagles, according to ESPN NFL analyst Chris Mortensen via Twitter:

"

Trent Richardson very excited about starting today for #Browns; he will get plenty of touches as runner and receiver vs. #Eagles.

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) September 9, 2012"

-------End of Update------

Richardson is recovering from Aug. 9 arthroscopic surgery, which was done on his left knee, but it looks that the Browns coaching and training staffs feel he is ready to contribute.

With Richardson set to start on Sunday afternoon, Cleveland won't have to worry about getting too much production out of backup running backs Montario Hardesty and Brandon Jackson.

Neither veteran impressed during Richardson's absence in the preseason.

Now, the Browns can run the ball with confidence against the Eagles, knowing that they have a sturdy, hard-to-bring-down back they can trust handing the ball to or throwing it to.  

Richardson averaged 5.9 yards per carry for the Alabama Crimson Tide in college last season, and scored 24 total touchdowns to go along with his 1,679 yards rushing. 

There is hope now in Cleveland that Richardson can help turn around a rushing attack that ranked 28th in the NFL a season ago. The Browns averaged 95.7 rushing yards per week in 2011, and scored a total of four touchdowns on the ground all year. 

The Browns are scheduled to take on the Eagles at Cleveland Browns Stadium at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday.

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