News: Rams coach Jeff Fisher believes that Daryl Richardson will see more playing time in 2013 after seeing his reps diminish toward the second half of last season. Expecting a split with Isaiah Pead, Fisher believes Richardson could make contributions through the air. "We've got to get the ball to him in the passing game more so than we did (in 2012)," Fisher said to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. "We were spreading it around, but we weren't necessarily going to the backs as much as we would've liked. It would be a great situation where that’s an extension of the run game, to get him out in space."
Analysis: It sounds like Richardson could be in for passing downs work with the Rams. In 2012, Richardson had 98 carries for 475 yards and 24 catches for 163 yards, so it's clear he can do it all but absolutely make an impact as a receiver. He's worth a mid-round gamble at this point, though if Pead takes hold as the Rams' primary run-downs back then Richardson could slip a little bit.
News: With Steven Jackson expected to hit the free-agent market this offseason, attention has turned to the Rams' remaining running back corps. At the NFL combine Rams head coach Jeff Fisher and general manager Les Snead expressed optimism in both Isaiah Pead and Daryl Richardson. Fisher said both have the capability of being every-down backs, though he added Pead was the one they took because they thought he could be "the guy," according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Analysis: We could see a Pead-Richardson tandem in St. Louis with Terrance Ganaway having a chance to get in there a little bit too. Richardson got the most work last season, playing 301 snaps after Pead (40 snaps) and Ganaway (five snaps) didn't do much. Richardson has great speed and is about as big as Pead, but Pead joined the Rams after a stellar college career at Cincinnati where he totaled just over 4,000 yards in 44 games. There's a lot of intrigue with both running backs, making them both mid-round gambles in drafts this summer. Getting both with picks in Rounds 7 and 8 could be a good idea. Ganaway isn't worth taking unless he steps up this offseason. Watching this situation in training camp is a must.
News: The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reports that Rams coach Jeff Fisher has confidence in the running backs who were behind Steven Jackson on the depth chart if Jackson is gone in 2013 as a free agent. That group includes Isaiah Pead, Daryl Richardson and Terrance Ganaway, who were all rookies in 2013. “They’re options,” Fisher said. “I’m not one to deal in hypotheticals. We drafted Isaiah because we felt like he has a chance to be a good back, not necessarily just a change of pace back for ‘Jack,’ but the guy. Daryl can be the guy. Most everybody is using multiple backs in their offense. Ganaway has an opportunity. And there’s a number of really good backs in the draft this year.”
Analysis: If Jackson leaves then we would rank the Rams running backs as Richardson, Pead and Ganaway. In 2012, Richardson had 98 carries for 475 yards and 24 catches for 163 yards. Pead had 10 carries for 54 yards and three catches for 16 yards. Keep an eye on what happens with Jackson, but Richardson would be a nice sleeper as the starter in St. Louis in 2013. We recommend drafting Richardson with a mid-round pick if Jackson is gone. If Jackson is back then take a flier on Richardson with a late-round selection.
News: Rams running back Daryl Richardson did little as the backup to Steven Jackson in the Week 17 regular-season finale at Seattle Sunday. Richardson saw just two carries in the game and did not gain a yard. That said, he did make two catches for 14 yards.
Analysis: Richardson had a few solid performances early in the season with Steven Jackson struggling. That said, once Jackson came on strong, Richardson gave way. He finished the year meekly and isn't expected to be the main guy heading into next season, either. Richardson is not a player worth targeting on Draft Day at this point.
News: Rams backup running back Daryl Richardson, who had exactly three carries in each of his previous three games, stepped it up with five Week 16 at Tampa Bay. He gained only 9 yards, though. Meanwhile, starting running back Steven Jackson had 19 carries for 81 yards and a touchdown.
Analysis: Richardson seemed to be working his way to a 50-50 split with Jackson earlier this season, but in recent weeks, he has gone back to being strictly a backup. He has enough upside to make an impact in Fantasy if he gets the opportunity, but he doesn't look like he's going to get that opportunity this year. He belongs on waivers in most leagues.
News: Rams backup running back Daryl Richardson saw his role continue to dwindle Week 15 against the Vikings. He ran three times for 5 yards and caught three passes for 25. Starter Steven Jackson, meanwhile, ran 13 times for 73 yards and caught eight passes for 73. Richardson has now had fewer than 10 touches in each of his last six games.
Analysis: Prior to Week 15, you might have thought the Rams would be inclined to go with Richardson in obvious passing situations, considering he's the speedier of the two backs. But even down 30-7 at halftime in this one, they stuck with Jackson, who delivered with eight catches for 73 yards. Richardson still has intriguing potential, but in his current role, he has no Fantasy value except as a handcuff option for Jackson owners.
News: At one point this season, Rams backup running back Daryl Richardson seemed to be on the verge of a 50-50 split with starter Steven Jackson, but with only three carries each of the last two weeks, he's clearly back to being a strict backup. In fact, since his 11-carry, 76-yard performance at the Dolphins in Week 6, he has averaged 5.9 carries in seven games. Jackson, meanwhile, has averaged 21.2 carries in his last five games after averaging 13.5 in his previous eight. Richardson's Week 15 opponent, the Vikings, rank 14th against the run, allowing 115.3 yards per game.
Analysis: Based on the way the Rams have distributed the carries in recent weeks, Richardson is unlikely to make a significant Fantasy impact this week. With an average of 5.2 yards per carry, he still offers plenty of promise in Fantasy, but most likely, he won't have a chance to make good on it unless something happens to Jackson. Consider Richardson little more than a handcuff option going forward.
News: For the second game in a row, Rams running back Daryl Richardson received just three carries Sunday against the Bills in Week 14. Richardson rushed for just four yards in the game, a 15-12 loss.
Analysis: Richardson still seems to be the Rams’ running back of the future, but his role has gotten much smaller in recent weeks. He has not had more than seven carries in any of the last six games, and he has rushed for just 10 yards over the last 10. At this point, Richardson can be ignored outside of the deepest of Fantasy formats moving forward. The Rams play against Minnesota in Week 15.
News: Rams running back Daryl Richardson came out of the team's Week 9 bye strong, with 58 rushing yards against the 49ers in Week 10. But his production has slipped every week since, bottoming out with a zero-point, three-carry performance in Week 13.
Analysis: Steven Jackson's production, meanwhile, has been through the roof, with three games of 100 total yards or more since the bye. Richardson seems to be on the losing end of the Jackson resurgence, as he has just 99 total yards in his last three games combined. Richardson still has value as a handcuff, but his days of being flexed as a quasi-timeshare option look to be over. He can be left on the wire in most formats, but held on to as a handcuff for Jackson in case injury strikes over the next few games.
News: Rams backup running back Daryl Richardson saw six touches during the Week 13 overtime win over San Francisco Sunday. Richardson rushed three times in the game for 6 yards and added three catches for 7 more. He was targeted three times in the passing game by quarterback Sam Bradford.
Analysis: Richardson had some shining moments earlier in the year with Steven Jackson struggling. Things have gotten back to normal for St. Louis and Richardson hasn't done anything noteworthy for Fantasy owners since Week 8 against New England. Richardson is not a viable Fantasy option heading into Week 14 at Buffalo.
News: Rams running back Daryl Richardson will be looking for more snaps heading into Week 13 at home against the 49ers. Richardson saw fewer than 10 carries for the fifth consecutive game as he rushed for just 32 yards on seven carries in Week 12 against the Cardinals. He will face a stingy San Francisco defense that has allowed just 91.1 yards per game this season, which is the fourth-fewest permitted in the league. Richardson rushed for 58 yards on seven carries his last time out against the 49ers in Week 10.
Analysis: Richardson may be the running back of the future for the Rams, but he is starting to lose his carries to Steven Jackson, who has turned it on as of late. Richardson has yet to score his first career touchdown, but has averaged 5.5 yards per game this season. Opposing running backs have been held to just 10 Fantasy points per game, which is the fewest allowed in the league. Fantasy owners should view him as more of a handcuff option to Jackson heading into Week 13 at home against San Francisco.
News: Rams running back Daryl Richardson saw fewer than 10 carries for the fifth consecutive game in Week 12 against the Cardinals. He gained 32 yards on seven carries in the 31-17 win. He had a long run of 9 and averaged 4.6 yards per rush. Richardson finished second on St. Louis in rushing behind Steven Jackson (139 yards) in the victory.
Analysis: Richardson has impressed thus far in his rookie campaign but with Jackson back to his productive ways, the Rams do not have a ton of touches for the 22-year-old at this point. It looks as though his production will remain minimal down the stretch so owners should continue to view him as more of a handcuff option heading into Week 13 against the 49ers. When the division foes met earlier in the year, Richardson gained 58 yards on seven carries.
News: Rams running back Daryl Richardson has seen just 13 carries in the last two games and while he has averaged 6.5 yards per carry over that span, has taken a backseat to Steven Jackson. He could be in for another slow performance in Week 12 against the Cardinals. Arizona ranks 21st in the league in run defense, giving up over 119 yards per contest, and has allowed an average of 14.8 Fantasy points to opposing running backs. Richardson carried the ball nine times for 35 yards when the division foes met in Week 5.
Analysis: Richardson has impressed during his rookie campaign and was stealing carries from Jackson earlier in the year but has seen his role decrease in recent weeks. Jackson's re-emergence has a lot to do with that and it has affected his production in Fantasy. It looks as though the Rams are content to limiting Richardson to a handful of carries at this point so leave the 22-year-old for deeper Fantasy formats for Week 12.
News: St. Louis running back Daryl Richardson totaled 44 yards from scrimmage -- his lowest amount in the past five games -- during the Rams' 27-13 loss to the Jets in Week 11. Richardson, who also lost his second fumble of the season, mustered just 26 rushing yards on six carries, both of which represented his lowest totals since Week 4 against Seattle. He also added just one reception for 18 yards on three targets.
Analysis: Richardson had been swiping carries from starter Steven Jackson in recent weeks, but was clearly the secondary option in Sunday's game. He did manage a decent average of 4.3 yards per attempt, but with one of his lowest carry totals of the season, Richardson was unable to make much of an impact. Fantasy owners should continue to view the 22-year-old as a reserve option only in deeper formats for Week 12 at Arizona.
News: St. Louis running back Daryl Richardson wasn't expected to receive much work during his rookie campaign while backing up Rams workhorse Steven Jackson. But the Abilene Christian product has impressed coaches for most of the season and has elevated into third place among NFC rookie running backs with 393 yards on the ground this season. He will attempt to add to that total during Week 11 against the Jets, who ranks near the bottom of the league against the run and are allowing 145.0 rushing yards per game.
Analysis: Richardson has been expectational as a complimentary back and even out-gained Jackson in two of the Rams' past four games. He is also coming off back-to-back performances with at least 50 rushing yards and could reach that total again versus New York's woeful run defense that is giving up an average of 20.1 Fantasy points per game to opposing running backs. Richardson continues to receive ample carries and has responded with a sturdy average of 5.7 yards per attempt. He is still seeking his first touchdown of the season, but makes for a decent flex option in deeper Fantasy formats for Week 11.
News: Rams running back Daryl Richardson entered Week 10 against the 49ers averaging 5.4 yards per carry. He raised that average as he carried the ball seven times for 58 yards in the 24-24 overtime tie. He had a long run of 32 and averaged 8.3 yards per rush. Richardson, who also caught one pass for zero yards, finished second on St. Louis in rushing behind Steven Jackson (102 yards).
Analysis: Richardson has rushed for over 50 yards in three out of the last four games as he continues to impress during his rookie campaign. Many thought he could end up taking over the No. 1 role in St. Louis but Jackson's performance Sunday will likely quell those talks. The 22-year-old has some decent upside in Fantasy but given his current role, continue to view Richardson as more of a handcuff option heading into Week 11 against the Jets.
News: Rams running back Daryl Richardson enters Week 10 against the 49ers still looking for the first touchdown of his young career. It might not happen Sunday, however, as San Francisco boasts the fifth-best run defense in the NFL, giving up under 88 yards per game. The 49ers have also limited opposing running backs to an average of just 9.2 Fantasy points, including one total touchdown.
Analysis: Steven Jackson's struggles have led to Richardson seeing more carries this season and he has impressed thus far. The rookie is averaging 5.4 yards per carry and led St. Louis in rushing against the Patriots in Week 8. Richardson could end up being the running back of the future in St. Louis and should see his workload increase as the Rams fall more and more out of playoff contention. Heading into Week 10 against the 49ers, however, consider the 22-year-old as more of a flex option in most Fantasy formats.
News: Rams running back Daryl Richardson ended up the leading rusher for St. Louis on Sunday of Week 8 against the Patriots from London. With the game well out of hand, Steven Jackson was rested and Richardson got most of the work. Richardson finished with seven attempts for 53 yards and had a long carry of 20 yards. Richardson also caught four passes for minus-3 yards. He was targeted four times.
Analysis: Richardson continues to cut into Jackson's carries for the Rams. He's done a nice job in his backup role and has begun to see more and more looks in the passing game as well. That said, as long as Jackson is healthy, Richardson will likely not be worthy of use in Fantasy play. Richardson should be benched or on waivers in all formats for Week 9 as the Rams are on bye. They return Week 10 with a tough matchup at San Francisco.
News: The Rams keep finding different ways to get running back Daryl Richardson the ball, and he seems to be entrenched in a timeshare with Steven Jackson after seven games in his rookie season. The Rams will take on the Patriots in Week 8 in a matchup in London, as part of the NFL’s International Series. New England has been strong against opposing running backs this season, however they have been vulnerable through the air. Running backs have hurt them to the tune of 59.3 receiving yards per game.
Analysis: Jackson has been the team’s primary runner, though Richardson is really making a dent in his touches. Richardson has seen a bigger role in the passing game, with seven catches over the last two games, so that might end up being where he makes an impact. The Patriots allow just 12.6 Fantasy points per game to running backs, good for seventh in the league. Richardson’s increased role, as well as his ability to break out for a big play, makes him an intriguing option. However, he should still be left for deeper Fantasy formats for Week 8.
News: One week after out-rushing starter Steven Jackson with 76 yards on 11 carries, Rams running back Daryl Richardson was back to playing second fiddle Week 7 against the Packers. He did have eight carries to Jackson's 12, but for only 36 yards, and he was pretty much absent from the running game in the second half, when he had only two carries. He was the back used in passing situations, though. In fact, his 43 receiving yards were good enough for third on the team. He finished with three catches on three targets.
Analysis: When you factor in the receptions, Jackson had only one more touch than Richardson, so it's safe to say, as suggested leading up to the game, that the two are in a platoon. Jackson was the one who scored the touchdown, though, when the Rams had the ball at the Packers' 6-yard line, so Richardson doesn't look like he's going to be the one asked to pick up the tough yards. Still, he has generally done more with his touches than Jackson has this season, so as long as that continues, his role will expand. You might not want to start him Week 8 against the Patriots, but his upside makes him worth stashing.
News: It was no accident that Rams backup running back Daryl Richardson got 11 carries to starter Steven Jackson's 12 last week. According to the team's official website, the coaching staff considers the two to be a tandem. "Daryl is a great change of pace," offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer said. "We’re going to try to keep people off balance.” It helps that Richardson has thrived with the opportunity, averaging 5.2 yards per carry. “I think he’s getting more and more comfortable,” Schottenheimer said. “He’s playing faster.” Richardson will need to keep playing fast to have any success Week 7 against Green Bay. The Packers rank in the middle of the pack against the run, allowing the 17th-most yards per game, but they allowed only 29 yards on 17 carries to Texans running back Arian Foster last week.
Analysis: Twice Richardson has gotten more than 10 carries in a game, and he exceeded 75 yards on both occasions. Last week's 11-carry, 76-yard performance came on the road against a Dolphins defense that ranks fifth against the run. If he could do it then, he could do it now. Of course, he is still splitting carries with Jackson, and as the smaller of the two backs, he's unlikely to get any touches at the goal line. In his current role, Richardson is nothing more than a desperation flex option in Fantasy, but he's well worth owning in case his role increases over time.
News: Rams running back Daryl Richardson continued to make the most of his opportunities in Week 6 against the Dolphins Sunday. The rookie led the team in rushing yards with 76 on 11 carries, while essentially splitting time with starter Steven Jackson, who had 52 yards on 12 carries. Richardson also added two catches for 23 yards, on three targets. Richardson just fell short of his second game with 100 all-purpose yards, as the Rams fell, 17-14.
Analysis: For the second-to-last pick in the draft, Richardson is proving very valuable for the Rams this season. The 22-year-old is averaging 5.2 yards per carry through six game, and has been more effective in spurts than Jackson. The Rams plan on letting Jackson walk in the offseason, so they may try to work Richardson in more as the season goes on. It will be interesting to see if the time-share continues in Week 7, against a Packers team that has allowed 96.8 rushing yards per game. Richardson is proving to be an intriguing Fantasy sleeper, but he is not worth relying outside of deeper Fantasy leagues in Week 7.
News: Rams running back Daryl Richardson was the second-to-last pick in the NFL draft this year, so even making the team was an accomplishment for the rookie out of Abilene Christian. Richardson has proven worthy of his roster spot through the first five games of the season, providing a nice backup option for the team behind Steven Jackson. “He’s a change of pace to what people are used to with ‘Jack’ carrying the football,” head coach Jeff Fisher told KMOX.com, a CBS radio affiliate in St. Louis. “He’s got great acceleration speed and he’s going to be a playmaker for us.” Richardson has rushed for 170 yards on 36 carries for St. Louis this season, heading into Week 6 against the Dolphins.
Analysis: Richardson has done well with limited opportunities this season, but Miami will make things difficult for the Ram’s running game as a whole. Only one team in the NFL has allowed fewer rushing yards than the Dolphins this season, as opposing runners are averaging just 53.4 yards per game on the ground. Richardson retains plenty of value as a handcuff option for Jackson’s owners, but he should be considered just an injury replacement option in most Fantasy formats for Week 6.
News: St. Louis running back Daryl Richardson ran the ball well but took the backseat for Steven Jackson during Thursday's contest against the Cardinals. Richardson was the second-leading rusher on the team as he rushed for 35 yards on nine carries in a 17-3 victory. Most of his yards came in the second half as he took seven carries for 28 yards after halftime. Richardson was not much of a factor in the passing game, as he finished without a catch despite being targeted twice. Steven Jackson, who played despite dealing with a groin injury, led the team in rushing with 76 yards on 18 carries.
Analysis: Richardson did have his chance to produce on Thursday and made the best out of it, averaging just 3.9 yards per carry in a winning effort. With Steven Jackson likely to opt out of his contract at the end of the season, Richardson could be auditioning for the starting job next year. His nine touches were the most since Week 2 when he totaled 102 yards on 17 touches. Richardson will head to Miami to face the Dolphins in Week 6, who have allowed just over 56 yards per game, which ranks first in the league against the run. Fantasy owners should keep him reserved in deeper formats heading into Week 6.
News: Despite starter Steven Jackson being limited by a groin injury for the second week in a row, St. Louis running back Daryl Richardson managed just six carries for a modest 2.7 yards per attempt in a Week 4 win over Seattle. But the outing was disappointing for an additional reason as his average dropped for the third straight game since he posted 10.0 yards per carry in the season opener. Richardson will attempt to rebound during Week 5 against Arizona, which is permitting just 101 rushing yards per week this season.
Analysis: Jackson is expected to be listed -- at least -- as a game-time decision for Thursday's game so Richardson could have opportunities to produce. It's just difficult to rely on the rookie at this point as his longest run last Sunday went for just eight yards. He also added two receptions for 13 yards, which was one more catch than Jackson record. The Cardinals are giving up an average of 12.0 Fantasy points per game to opposing running backs so Richardson should be left reserved in deeper formats for Week 5, unless Jackson is unable to suit up.
News: Rams running back Daryl Richardson rushed for 16 yards on six carries Week 4 against the Seahawks. He added two catches for 13 yards.
Analysis: There were reports Rams starting running back Steven Jackson was going to be limited Week 4 because of a lingering groin injury, which should have meant more touches for Richardson. But Jackson wasn't limited Sunday, recording 18 carries. Therefore, Richardson saw minimal touches again. He will continue to be on standby in case Jackson has a setback. The Seahawks play Arizona on Thursday in Week 5. If Jackson can't make the short turnaround, then Richardson would be the benefactor. Even if that happens, Richardson would be a low-end start Week 5.
News: Rams running back Steven Jackson (groin) is active Week 4 against the Seahawks, but he might not carry his normal workload, according to CBSSports.com NFL Insider Jason La Canfora. Daryl Richardson would be the expected benefactor of a reduced role for Jackson.
Analysis: Although, Richardson might see a little extra work Week 4, he is not a recommended Fantasy start. Richardson enters Week 4 against the Seahawks ranked fifth among NFL rookies with 119 rush yards, but that's about three times as many yards as the Seahawks are allowing to running backs per week (39.7 ypg). Seattle is also yielding 9.7 Fantasy points per week to running backs, which is the fourth lowest average in the league. Running backs have totaled two rushing touchdowns against Seattle. It's not a favorable matchup for Richardson, so look to better alternatives.
News: Rams rookie running back Daryl Richardson enters Week 4 against the Seahawks ranked fifth among NFL rookies with 119 rush yards. That's about three times as many yards as the Seahawks are allowing to running backs per week (39.7 ypg). Seattle is also yielding 9.7 Fantasy points per week to running backs, which is the fourth lowest average in the league. Running backs have totaled two rushing touchdowns against Seattle.
Analysis: Richardson was one of the most added players in Fantasy going into Week 3 given Steven Jackson's uncertainty. Jackson played and that meant limited touches for Richardson. Jackson is back on the injury report this week, but if he suits up Week 4, then that spells bad news again for Richardson, who is averaging 5.7 yards per carry as a rookie. Although, he might see a little extra work Week 4 seeing how the Rams have a quick turnaround Week 5 because they are playing in the Thursday game that week. Richardson is not a recommended Fantasy start Week 4. If Jackson sits, he will gain some extra value, but remember it's a tough matchup, so Richardson would be a desperation start.
News: Rams running back Daryl Richardson, a popular Fantasy pickup this week in anticipation of Steven Jackson possibly missing Week 3 with a groin injury, rushed four times for 16 yards as the backup on Sunday against the Bears.
Analysis: Richardson looked good in Week 2 against Washington, carrying the ball 15 times for 83 yards, but was limited by a healthy Jackson getting most of the carries in Week 3. As long as Jackson is healthy, Richardson looks like he's little more than a handcuff. He will have minimal Fantasy value going forward with a healthy Jackson ahead of him, and should not be started against Seattle in Week 4.
News: Rams running back Daryl Richardson, who gained 83 yards on 15 carries last week against Washington, may be one of the more enigmatic pick-ups of the week. While starter Steven Jackson said that an MRI on his groin came back clean, there's still a chance he may be out -- or possibly play hurt -- in the Week 3 matchup against the Bears. If he's limited, Richardson has some value. But the degree of Richardson's value probably won't be known until we have a clearer picture of Jackson's health.
Analysis: First is was discipline, then it was the hamstring, then it was his groin. None of these excuses for Jackson's extended absence in Week 1 really bodes well for him right now, but it's still likely that Jackson suits up and plays on Sunday. If, however, he doesn't, Richardson, a rookie out of Abilene Christian, could shine in an offense that ranks 13th in rushing yards so far this year. Factoring in his two carries for 20 yards in Week 1, Richardson is averaging 6.1 yards per carry this season. He's also caught two passes for 19 yards. Jackson owners interested in a handcuff should add him immediately, as it looks like Richardson's the backup, not Isaiah Pead. And owners desperate for a running back could add Richardson and hope that Jackson's injury is more serious than he's letting on. All other would-be owners should wait and see; if Jackson is out, Richardson could have value as a flex. If Jackson plays, Richardson is little more than waiver wire/handcuff speculation.
News: Rams running back Daryl Richardson took over for Steven Jackson during the Week 2 win over the Redskins Sunday. Richardson finished with 15 carries for 83 yards, but did lose a late fumble that could have proven costly in the St. Louis 31-28 win. Richardson, who added two catches for 19 yards on three targets, took over after Jackson was called for an unsportsmanlike penalty early in the game. It was later reported that Jackson was also dealing with a hamstring issue that led to his benching. Jackson also scored on a two-point conversion play in the fourth quarter.
Analysis: Richardson sure looked good once he took over completely for Jackson in the Week 2 game. Not only was he involved heavily in the run game, but he caught passes as well for quarterback Sam Bradford. Fantasy owners should pay close attention to what coach Jeff Fisher says about the Richardson-Jackson situation heading into Week 3 at Chicago. If Richardson is becoming the No. 1 guy before our eyes, he'll definitely be worth picking up widely across Fantasy platforms. That said, he would only be recommended as a flex, at best, for the game against the Bears.
News: St. Louis running back Daryl Richardson finished with 20 yards on two carries during the Rams' 27-23 loss to Detroit in Week 1. Richardson was the only other running back to record an attempt as St. Louis provided 21 carries to starter Steven Jackson, who finished with 53 yards.
Analysis: After rumors surfaced last week that Richardson had supplanted fellow rookie Isaiah Pead as Jackson's backup, the Rams cemented his status during the opener. Richardson, a seventh-round draft pick out of Abilene Christian, sent Pead to the special teams unit while he served as the replacement for Jackson. He still doesn't earn enough carries to warrant Fantasy consideration and is merely a handcuff to Jackson for now.
News: Rams coach Jeff Fisher, asked about who his backup running back is, was non-committal on the subject, telling reporters that, "we got a couple, actually three of them." The St. Louis Post-Dispatch's Dan O'Neill says that, while the front-runner was believed to be Isaiah Pead, the team's second-round pick, Daryl Richardson, selected in the seventh round, could grab the role. "The primary caddying job remains on the table, unclaimed," O'Neill writes. "Pead is the more celebrated prospect. Richardson has been the more impressive camper."
Analysis: It was widely believed that Pead had the backup job locked up, but Fisher -- who praised Richardson's explosiveness this preseason, saying that the rookie is, "not making mistakes" - -gave O'Neill reason for pause. It still remains the more likely scenario like Pead, who is also contributing on kick returns, will be the backup, but the situation is worth keeping an eye on. For now, continue to handcuff Jackson with Pead, who is a mid-to-late choice in dynasty/keeper leagues and a second-round pick in rookie-only drafts.
News: One of the candidates to help spell Steven Jackson in St. Louis is seventh-round pick Daryl Richardson, who is currently running third on the depth chart behind S-Jax and Isaiah Pead. Richardson didn't get on the field until Monday because of a hamstring pull suffered this summer. He should see plenty of playing time Sunday when the Rams open the preseason at Indianapolis.
Analysis: Richardson shot up draft boards with a strong pro day workout in early April, posting a 4.46-second 40-yard dash. But he's more of a speedy edge rusher and not a blocker or a physical between-the-tackles back. He's worth a late pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and rookie-only drafts.
News: The St. Louis Rams selected running back Daryl Richardson of Abilene Christian (not Alabama running back Trent Richardson) with their second pick in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Richardson is the brother of former Abilene Christian running back Bernard Scott, who now plays for the Bengals, and former Abilene Christian receiver Clyde Gates, who now plays for the Dolphins. As a senior, Richardson rushed for 867 yards, including a long run of 75 yards. He averaged 5.9 yards per carry and scored 11 touchdowns. Richardson also caught 40 passes for 371 yards and two touchdowns. Richardson is also looking forward to learning from Rams RB Steven Jackson. “It's just a blessing to get the opportunity and even just to get to play with Steven Jackson because he is a top performance running back,” Richardson said.
Analysis: Richardson shot up draft boards with a strong pro day workout in early April, posting a 4.46-second 40-yard dash. But he's more of a speedy edge rusher and not a blocker or a physical between-the-tackles back. He's worth a late pick in dynasty/keeper leagues and rookie-only drafts.
