Browns RB Trent Richardson 'very close' to practicing

Riding an exercise bike is big news in Cleveland Browns country today. That's exactly what running back Trent Richardson did during Saturday's practice. It was his first time on the bike since undergoing arthroscopic left knee surgery Aug. 9. After practice, head coach Pat Shurmur told Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer that the first-round pick is "very close" to practicing. And Shurmur said that, in regards to the team's Sept. 9 opener, "if [Richardson] is ready to play, he will."
The Browns will host the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1.

Fantasy Analysis:

Baby steps, but Richardson is getting better. Montario Hardesty and Brandon Jackson would most likely split snaps if Richardson can't play in this first game. Jackson has been getting some good press lately because he played better than Hardesty in the preseason, but either guy would be just a deep flex option. I think the Browns would be better off hilding Richardson back and making sure he's fully healed by Week 2. But we'll see how active he is during the practice week.