Trent Richardson will play in Week 3

The Indianapolis Colts won’t waste time trotting out their new, promising running back in Trent Richardson, as Colts head coach Chuck Pagano stated, via a tweet from Colts beat writer Kevin Bowen, that Richardson “will play as much as he can handle” in Week 3. The Colts will be facing off against the San Francisco 49ers, so it’s going to be a big challenge for Richardson in his first game with the Colts. NaVorro Bowman, Patrick Willis, and the rest of the 49ers defense will look to shut down Richardson, but the good thing for Richardson’s fantasy owners is that he has a much better passing attack to help open up running lanes.

Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson (33) warms up before the game against the Miami Dolphins at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

I’ve never been a big fan of Richardson’s, but there’s no denying his natural talent and upside. The Colts look like a better fit for Richardson due to their passing attack led by Andrew Luck, and that should have a significantly positive effect on his yards per carry average, which was paltry with the Cleveland Browns. Although the Colts run blocking probably isn’t as good as Cleveland’s with left guard Donald Thomas out for the season, the superior passing game could do wonders for Richardson.

Ahmad Bradshaw would have been the starter coming into this game, but it sounds like the Colts will ride Trent Richardson as their No. 1 back from day one. I love Bradshaw, but Richardson has more natural talent and fits better as a No. 1 back due to Bradshaw’s proneness to injury. Bradshaw should be able to get a nice amount of snaps in passing situations, but it’s interesting to see that Pagano wants to give as many carries to Richardson as possible. Does that mean the Colts have soured on Bradshaw and don’t want to give him carries, or does it mean that the Colts want to give Richardson as many carries as he needs to be the star? I’m betting on the latter.

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