Browns coach Pat Shurmur says he assumes rookie Trent Richardson will play against Colts

Coach Pat Shurmur expects rookie running back Trent Richardson to play Sunday when the Browns (1-5) visit the Indianapolis Colts (2-3).

“He practiced throughout today,” Shurmur said this afternoon. “He practiced all the way through practice. Yeah, I think he’ll be there.”

Richardson, the third overall pick in this year’s draft, suffered a rib cartilage injury as a result of absorbing a blow from a helmet Sunday in the first quarter of the Browns’ 34-24 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He has repeatedly said this week he’ll be ready to play Sunday, and a coach’s decision is the only thing that could prevent him from facing the Colts.

When asked whether pain will be the biggest hurdle for Richardson, Shurmur said, “I think when he gets in there and gets rolling, a lot of things that tend to hurt until the adrenaline flows kind of go away. He’s cleared to play and my assumption is that he’ll be there Sunday.”

If Richardson’s workload is reduced because of the injury, backup Montario Hardesty would receive more playing time. He had 15 carries for 56 yards and a touchdown against the Bengals.

Starting wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi continued to practice on a limited basis today, but he still might miss his fourth consecutive game with an injured hamstring.

“We’ll see,” Massaquoi said when asked if he’ll play Sunday. “If not this week, then I’ll be really eager and excited to get back out there next week and make up for lost time.”