Sep 15, 2013; Atlanta, GA, USA; St. Louis Rams running back Daryl Richardson (26) is tackled by Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (56) during the first quarter at Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Just hours after reportedly shopping running back Isaiah Pead, the Rams have waived RB Daryl Richardson, per Ravens Insider Aaron Wilson.
Richardson, a seventh-round pick from the 2012 draft, had a solid year as an injury replacement for Steven Jackson, but was disappointing when given starting duties in the early part of the 2013 season. Zac Stacy took over in the Rams backfield mid-way through last season and never looked back, and will enter 2014 as the primary back. With rookie third-rounder Tre Mason in the fold now as well, Richardson became expendable for St. Louis.
Richardson, 24, should be able to find a suitor, as small, speedy backs are more in demand than power runner. But still, it’s a tough market for RBs and moves like this continue to prove that. After averaging a nice 4.8 yards per carry as a rookie, Richardson managed just 3.1 last season, perhaps due to an injury. As speculated on shortly after the draft, the Rams want no part of the Richardson and Pead duo that they headed into last season with. After those two really struggled, the team’s running game would have been disastrous all season if not for the emergence of Stacy, as 2013 sixth-rounder.
Along with Richardson, the Rams also cut offensive linemen Emmanuel McCray and Graham Pocic on Thursday.