According to the San Francisco Chronicle, the Oakland Raiders reclamation project with ex-Indianapolis Colts running back Trent Richardson isn’t apparently off to a promising start:
"“Latavius Murray will get every chance to be the lead running back as whispers are that the Trent Richardson reclamation project is not going so well.”"
Surprise! Surprise!
Despite earlier reports that Richardson shed weight this offseason and perhaps regained some of his prior quickness, the 4th-year running back could very well be simply the same disappointment he was with the Colts. Only this time, he’ll thankfully be in a different uniform.
Jun 9, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Trent Richardson (33) carries the ball at minicamp at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
For Richardson, it could clearly be his last opportunity in the NFL. Having originally signed a 2-year, $3.85 million dollar contract with the Raiders earlier this offseason, Richardson is only guaranteed $600K on his new deal. Meaning if he doesn’t start to impress soon, he could very well become an easy roster cut for Oakland going forward.
The Colts released Richardson earlier this offseason following a highly underwhelming 2-year stint with the team. After trading a 2014 1st round pick for Richardson early in the 2013 regular season, he never lived up to expectations. Last season, he rushed for just 519 rushing yards on 159 carries resulting in an uninspiring 3.3 yards per carry average.
After being benched in favor of Dan “Boom” Herron and losing backup reps to Zurlon Tipton late last season, Richardson was a healthy scratch from the Colts final two playoff games. Not exactly what one would’ve originally expected from the former 3rd overall pick of the 2012 NFL Draft and Alabama Crimson Tide standout.
Needless to say, Richardson was a huge disappointment for the Colts to say the least, as he was their least productive running back (via @ColtsComments):
Every Colts RB (with 40+ rushing attempts) has averaged 4+ YPC over the last two seasons.
— hi it's andrew luck (@Colts_Comments) February 13, 2015
Except for T-Rich.
Twice. pic.twitter.com/Bq63NV1IQM
Perhaps, the silver and black will bring out the best of Richardson, but by the initial sound of things, it’s shaping up to be the same old story for the running back bust.
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