Rookie running back Trent Richardson is set to have surgery on his ailing left knee. According to a report from ESPN, the surgery is to remove loose cartilage and “hang nail particle.”
No matter how minor this operation, to be performed by Dr. James Andrews, might be, it is cause for concern for both the Cleveland Browns and the young running back. Both were looking forward to seeing what Richardson could do during preseason prior to starting the regular year in September. It doesn't seem that the Alabama product will be taking part in any games prior to the Browns opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.
The impact is wide ranging here. First, Cleveland is set to start another rookie, Brandon Weeden, at the quarterback position. The former Oklahoma State signal-caller is going to need a solid running game behind him without any reliable or consistent receiving threats on the outside. Second, Richardson was projected to be among the top suitors for the coveted Offensive Rookie of the Year Award in 2012.
We all know how much a strong start and reps during training camp helps running backs. Without being able to get that work in, they tend to struggle once the regular season begins. Just take a look at Chris Johnson following his holdout in 2011.
Fantasy Impact?
Richardson was ranked No. 15 among running backs by ESPN prior to this news breaking today. He is sure to fall on that list and might not even be considered a RB2 by most outlets now. I had also concluded that the rookie running back was one of the most underrated at his position heading into the season. Depending on the seriousness of the surgery, which has yet to be confirmed, I might have to change that.
Still, it isn't like Richardson is going to be recovering from a broken ankle or some other serious injury that we have come to expect from running backs around the league. You might want to consider picking him up as one of final RB2's off the board when your draft rolls around late this month or early next month.
That being said, the idea of him being the top RB2 option in fantasy football took a dramatic hit with the news today.