Should the Cleveland Browns Shut RB Trent Richardson Down?

Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson has had an injury-plagued rookie season, though he has still managed to look impressive through most of it. His most recent injury, though – a rib injury suffered against the Cincinnati Bengals on Oct. 14 – was enough to get him benched last week against the Indianapolis Colts.

According to head coach Pat Shurmur, Richardson is looking much better in practice compared to last week. However, that doesn’t mean he is a guarantee to play on Sunday against the San Diego Chargers.

Even if he plays on Sunday, Richardson will still be dealing with the injury, which made him look tentative against the Colts. Would the Browns be better served shutting him down on Sunday, and potentially through their Week Ten bye? Richardson hasn’t been playing healthy all season – would three weeks off give him a better chance to succeed in the second half?