Description: NFL.com's Ian Rapoport is reporting that Cleveland has acquired receiver Davone Bess from the Dolphins.
Insight: Bess posted respectable numbers in Miami last season (61 receptions, 778 yards) but he's far from a fantasy stud. In fantasy leagues, he's a late rounder at best.
Description: The Browns are expected to part ways with backup quarterback Colt McCoy according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Insight: If the Browns can't trade McCoy prior to the draft, they'll likely release him. McCoy completed 9-of-17 passes for 79 yards backing up rookie Brandon Weeden in 2012.
Description: According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, pass rusher Paul Kruger has agreed in principle on a five-year deal with the Cleveland Browns.
Insight: Kruger had a career-high nine sacks in 2012 but Baltimore couldn't re-sign him due to salary cap issues. Cleveland ranked 11th in the NFL in sacks but 25th in passing yardage allowed last season.
Description: Cleveland's third-string quarterback Thaddeus Lewis was solid in his first NFL start. He completed 22-of-32 (68.8 percent) for 204 yards with one touchdown and one pick.
Insight: Lewis was sacked three times and the Browns fumbled twice, but that's hardly a consolation for those who started the Pittsburgh D/ST and expected more of a disaster out of Lewis.
Description: Cleveland receiver Josh Gordon injured his ankle in the second quarter of Sunday's game against Pittsburgh and will not return.
Insight: He'll end the season with 805 receiving yards, second-most among NFL rookies (Justin Blackmon has 857 and counting), though he could be passed by T.Y. Hilton, who has 791 and is still playing Sunday.
Description: Cleveland halfback Trent Richardson will sit out Sunday's game in Pittsburgh because of an ankle injury.
Insight: No surprise here. Montario Hardesty will take over as the Browns' leading back and should be a solid flex/RB2 play this week against a reeling Steelers team.
Description: Browns beat writer Tony Grossi gives running back Trent Richardson (ankle) a zero percent chance of playing Sunday against the Steelers.
Insight: If Richardson doesn't play, he'll finish with 950 rushing yards, 367 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns in his rookie season despite averaging 3.6 ypc. Brandon Jackson will be active as the change-of-pace back behind Montario Hardesty Sunday.
Description: Former Duke Blue Devil Thad Lewis will start at quarterback in Week 17 for the Cleveland Browns. SOURCE: Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland Plain Dealer
Insight: Neither Brandon Weeden nor Colt McCoy have practiced this week due to shoulder injures. Trent Richardson (ankle) is also expected to miss Sunday's game so Pittsburgh's top-notch defense should have a field day.
Description: Browns beat writer Tony Grossi said it's "almost official" that Trent Richardson (ankle) won't play Sunday against the Steelers.
Insight: If Richardson doesn't play, he'll finish with 950 rushing yards, 367 receiving yards and 12 total touchdowns in his rookie season despite averaging 3.6 ypc. Brandon Jackson would be active as the change-of-pace back behind Montario Hardesty Sunday.
Description: Browns coach Pat Shurmur says running back Trent Richardson's ankle injury isn't as bad as the team had originally thought.
Insight: If Richardson suits up, he'll have a chance to become the first Browns' rookie to rush for 1,000 yards in one season. If Cleveland opts to sit Richardson, Montario Hardesty would get the start at halfback this week against Pittsburgh.
Description: Cleveland wideout Mohamed Massaquoi will miss the season finale after being placed on the injured reserve due to a knee injury.
Insight: Massaquoi's contract is up in March and he may have played his last game in Cleveland. He finished the season with 17 catches for 254 yards over nine games and was behind Greg Little, Josh Gordon and Travis Benjamin on the depth chart. He had zero fantasy value this season.
Description: Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden exited Sunday's game against Denver with a shoulder injury and did not return, but has not been ruled out for Week 17.
Insight: Colt McCoy would get the start if Weeden is inactive. Weeden had a few productive games this season, but not enough to rise to the level of fantasy starter.
Description: Cleveland tailback Trent Richardson injured his ankle late in the game against Denver and is doubtful for Week 17 against Pittsburgh. He left the stadium in a walking boot.
Insight: Richardson picked a bad time to play his worst game in a month. His four-game touchdown streak (six TDs) ended in a 68-yard effort. Part of the reason for his low total was the Browns fell way behind by the second quarter, but we're still looking for the breakaway speed needed to go to the next level.
Description: Browns SS T.J. Ward will miss the rest of the season due to a bone bruise in his knee. SOURCE: Mary Kay Cabot, Cleveland Plain Dealer
Insight: Ward has been strong against the run this season so his absence will make the Browns more vulnerable to Broncos running back Knowshon Moreno in Week 16.
Description: Cleveland halfback Trent Richardson only had 28 rushing yards Sunday against the Redskins, but he managed to keep his touchdown streak alive with two scores.
Insight: Make it four weeks in a row with a touchdown for Richardson. He's also closing in on the 1,000 yard threshold, needing just 103 yards in his final two games to reach the millennium mark.
Description: Browns rookie wide receiver Josh Gordon caught eight passes on 12 targets for 86 yards Sunday against the Chiefs.
Insight: Gordon has emerged as Brandon Weeden's No. 1 weapon in the passing game. The rookie has hauled in 35 catches for 639 yards and five touchdowns over the last nine games and has a favorable matchup against Washington in Week 15.
Description: Browns running back Trent Richardson's two one-yard touchdown runs Sunday saved an otherwise poor day against the Chiefs. Richardson had 42 rushing yards on 18 carries.
Insight: It was a typical Richardson line this season. He has only rushed for 3.5 ypc but he's still been a valuable fantasy rusher due to his 10 total touchdowns.
Description: Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden, who suffered a concussion Sunday, has been cleared to practice, according to coach Par Shurmur.
Insight: Colt McCoy would get the start if Weeden is inactive. McCoy hasn't thrown a pass this season. Last year he completed 57.2 percent of his passes for 2,733 yards 14 TDs and 11 interceptions.
Description: Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden suffered a concussion Sunday and is doubtful for Sunday's game against Oakland.
Insight: Colt McCoy would get the start if Weeden is inactive. McCoy hasn't thrown a pass this season. Last year he completed 57.2 percent of his passes for 2,733 yards 14 TDs and 11 interceptions.
Description: Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden suffered a concussion Sunday, but coach Pat Shurmur said the rookie was responsive after the game. SOURCE: Scott Petrak, Elyria Chronicle-Telegram
Insight: Cleveland beat Pittsburgh Sunday on the strength of eight turnovers. Weeden didn't exactly light it up, throwing for 158 and one touchdown with a pick-six.
Description: Browns running back Trent Richardson gutted out 85 yards on 29 carries Sunday against the Steelers. He added four receptions for 27 yards and scored the game-winning touchdown in the third quarter.
Insight: Richardson hasn't had much room to run this season but he's made the best of it, turning in 755 yards on 209 carries (3.6 ypc) with six rushing scores.
Description: Cleveland cornerback Joe Haden is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh, but beat writer Mary Kay Cabot thinks he's going to play.
Insight: Haden would likely get the toughest assignment, stopping Mike Wallace, but it's made easier by the absence of Ben Roethlisberger and Byron Leftwich.
Description: Cleveland cornerback Joe Haden is questionable for Sunday's game against Pittsburgh.
Insight: The Steelers have the receivers to take advantage of Haden's injury, but they don't seem to have anyone capable of getting the wideouts the ball in Ben Rosthlisberger's absence.
Description: Cleveland cornerback Joe Haden won't be available for Sunday's matchup against Dallas. He's been bothered by an oblique injury.
Insight: With Haden on the sidelines, quarterback Tony Romo should have an easier time finding his receivers. Look for Dez Bryant and Miles Austin to both have productive weeks.
Description: Browns cornerback Joe Haden was missing from Friday's practice and will be a game-time decision for Sunday's game against Dallas.
Insight: The Browns need Haden to play against all the quality receivers the Cowboys can throw at you. If he doesn't play it adds value to Dez Bryant and Miles Austin.
Description: Browns running back Trent Richardson shook off bruised ribs to post 122 rushing yards and a touchdown on 24 carries in sloppy conditions Sunday versus San Diego.
Insight: Richardson only had eight carries a week ago as Browns coach Pat Shurmur didn't like what he saw from the rookie. Shurmur contemplated shutting down Richardson until after the team's bye week but that has to be off the table now.
Description: According to Jay Glazer, Bucs defensive back Eric Wright could be facing a four-game suspension for violation of the league's policy on performance-enhancing drugs.
Insight: Tampa Bay is already missing their other starting cornerback , Aqib Talib, to suspension. Carson Palmer and Philip Rivers are the next quarterbacks in line to face the now very vulnerable Bucs' secondary.
Description: ESPN's Adam Schefter said Browns running back Trent Richardson (ribs) is expected to play Sunday versus San Diego.
Insight: The Browns were contemplating shutting Richardson down for three weeks and having him return following the team's bye week but it appears they have decided to let him play through the injury. The Chargers have the No. 2 run defense in the NFL and Browns coach Pat Shurmur showed last week that he wouldn't think twice about pulling Richardson if things aren't going well but fantasy owners should still start the back Sunday and hope he finds the end zone for the sixth time this season.
Description: Cleveland linebacker Scott Fujita has been ruled out for the rest of the 2012 season. He's dealing with an injured neck.
Insight: Fujita was placed on injured reserve earlier in the week. It's likely to be a long road to recovery for the 33-year-old. Tests showed that Fujita has nerve damage.
Description: Browns starting DT Ahtyba Rubin has been ruled out of Week 8 due to a calf injury and will be replace by rookie John Hughes, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer.
Insight: Cleveland was already giving up more than 133 ypg on the ground and this won't help. The news bodes well for Chargers tailback Ryan Mathews.
Description: According to team beat writer Scott Petrak, Browns coach Pat Shurmur said running back Trent Richardson (ribs) looked "way better" in Wednesday's practice than he did at the same time last week.
Insight: The Browns were contemplating shutting Richardson down for three weeks and having him return following the team's bye week. The running back has been more positive than his coach about his status so any optimism from Shurmur is a good sign.
Description: Browns running back Trent Richardson doesn't expect to miss any games despite being limited by rib injuries the past two weeks.
Insight: This report comes from Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal. Even if Richardson does play he won't be at 100 percent. Backup running back Montario Hardesty has gotten 22 carries the past two weeks and could be in for another heavy workload Sunday against the Chargers.
Description: Wideout Brian Robiskie was signed by the Detroit Lions to replace Nate Burleson.
Insight: Robiskie will take his roster spot, but Burleson's targets will go to Titus Young and Ryan Broyles. Robiskie has no fantasy value at this time.
Description: Cleveland running back Trent Richardson (ribs) participated in Wednesday's walkthrough, according to Scott Petrak of the Chronicle-Telegram.
Insight: But Shurmur has already said he hasn't ruled out letting Richardson heal and return after the team's bye week. That would mean the rookie would miss home games against San Diego and Baltimore. Stay tuned for further updates.
Description: Cleveland running back Trent Richardson (ribs) will be evaluated on a week-to-week basis, Browns coach Mike Shurmur said according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Shurmur pulled Richardson Sunday after just eight carries but didn't give a definitive reason other than saying, "There were some things happening out there where we weren't having efficiency running the football that were no fault of Trent's. But I'm watching the player and we try to make decisions based on what's best."
Insight: Shurmur said he hasn't ruled out letting Richardson heal and return after the team's bye week. That would mean the rookie would miss home games against San Diego and Baltimore.
Description: Browns rookie wide receiver Josh Gordon came down with another touchdown on Sunday, his fourth in his last three games.
Insight: Gordon only caught two of the 10 passes Brandon Weeden threw to him and finished with 59 yards, way down from the 99 he racked up a week earlier against Cincinnati. Still, his knack for scoring touchdowns and Cleveland's complete lack of other options in the receiving game make Gordon a useful fantasy option.
Description: Cleveland running back Trent Richardson has exited the game and is questionable to return.
Insight: Though the Browns haven't announced why Richardson is on the sidelines, we're guessing it has something to do with the rib injury that forced him from last week's game against the Bengals. Montario Hardesty has come on to take his place rushing for 24 yards on six carries.
Description: Browns running back Trent Richardson is active for Sunday's game against the Colts.
Insight: Richardson injured his ribs during last week's win over Cincinnati and was listed as questionable heading into Sunday. The Colts let mediocre halfback Shonn Greene run wild against them in Week 6 so we're guessing Richardson should be in for a very productive afternoon.
Description: Cleveland wideout Mohamed Massaquoi will miss his fourth straight game Sunday in Indianapolis. Massaqoi is still struggling with an injured hamstring.
Insight: Talented rookie Josh Gordon has emerged as the team's top receiver in Massaquoi's absence. Don't expect Massaquoi to have much of an impact when he returns.
Description: Cleveland coach Pat Shurmur said rookie tailback Trent Richardson (ribs) could split playing time this Sunday if his rib cartilage injury is still bothering him, according to beat writer Scott Petrak.
Insight: Richardson didn't sound concerned about the injury Wednesday and should be fine to handle close to a full share in a great matchup against the Colts.
Description: According to the Akron Beacon Journal, Browns coach Pat Shurmur said rookie receiver Josh Gordon will still have a prominent role in the offense in Week 7 even though Mohamed Massaquoi and Travis Benjamin could return from injuries this week.
Insight: As he should. The Browns have been desperate for playmakers on the outside since Braylon Edwards was traded. Greg Little has dropped too many balls to be that guy but Gordon has developed chemistry downfield with fellow rookie Brandon Weeden. Consider Gordon a WR3 this week in deeper leagues with six teams on a bye and Cleveland going up against the Indianapolis Colts.
Description: Cleveland tailback Trent Richardson (ribs) said he expects to play Sunday against the Colts, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Insight: "In my mind I'm ready for Sunday," Richardson said. "I'll be ready to play the whole game." The Browns running back will wear a flak jacket or padding to protect his ribs but he'll have an excellent matchup against a Colts defense that let Shonn Greene walk all over them in Week 6.
Description: Browns backup running back Montario Hardesty replaced injured Trent Richardson (ribs) and rushed for 56 yards and a touchdown against Cincinnati in Week 6.
Insight: Hardesty would be the obvious choice if the rookie can't go next week against Indianapolis.
Description: Cleveland tailback Trent Richardson, who injured his ribs Sunday against the Bengals, is listed as day-to-day according to Marla Ridnour of the Akron Beacon Journal.
Insight: Its a painful injury, but one that can be dealt with while still playing if the player can manage the pain. Montario Hardesty filled in for Richardson and rushed 15 times for 56 yards and a score and would be the obvious choice if the rookie can't go next week against Indianapolis.
Description: Browns receiver Josh Gordon caught three passes for 99 yards and a touchdown Sunday in a win versus Cincinnati.
Insight: The rookie has three touchdowns in his last two games. Gordon has gotten more playing time recently because of injuries to Travis Benjamin and Mohamed Massaquoi.
Description: Browns wideout Mohamed Massaquoi won't play Sunday against Cincinnati. He's struggling with an injured hamstring.
Insight: Massaquoi wasn't on the field for Cleveland's game against the Giants in Week 5 either. With Travis Benjamin also unavailable, rookie Josh Gordon will get the start alongside second-year wideout Greg Little.
Description: Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden has averaged 292.5 yards per game and has five TDs and five INTs in four games since his pitiful debut against the Eagles on Sept. 9.
Insight: Weeden has still made mistakes but he's also made plenty of good throws since Week 1. His receivers have been inconsistent but he was able to hook up with Josh Gordon on a 62-yard touchdown pass and also completed nine passes to Jordan Norwood Sunday against the Giants.
Description: Browns running back Trent Richardson rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries and caught five passes for 47 yards Sunday against the Giants.
Insight: Richardson has lived up to the hype even though the Browns are 0-5 and have been inconsistent offensively. Through five games, he has 303 yards rushing, 169 yards receiving and five total touchdowns on 101 touches (81 carries, 20 catches).
Description: Cleveland receivers Mohamed Massaquoi and Travis Benjamin have been ruled out for Sunday's game versus the Giants. Massaquoi and Benjamin both have a hamstring injury.
Insight: Greg Little is Cleveland's best fantasy option at receiver but he hasn't been able to quell his drop issues. Stay away from this passing game if you can.
Description: Browns receiver Travis Benjamin is doubtful for Sunday's matchup against the Giants. Benjamin is dealing with an injured hamstring.
Insight: Benjamin has just five catches this year, so this won't affect many fantasy rosters. Fellow rookie Josh Gordon should see more play this week with Benjamin and Mohamed Massaquoi both expected to be out.
Description: Cleveland receiver Mohamed Massaquoi is considered doubtful for Sunday's game versus the Giants because of a hamstring injury.
Insight: It's looking like Travis Benjamin won't be available Sunday either, leaving the Browns with very limited depth in the receiving game. Cleveland will probably look to give running back Trent Richardson a heavy workload early, though they may have to abandon the run if the Giants get out to a big lead.
Description: Browns running back Trent Richardson missed Friday practice to be there for the birth of his child. According to beat writer Mary Kay Cabot, Coach Pat Shurmur said Richardson's Week 5 status will not be affected.
Insight: Through four games, Richardson has 222 rushing yards on 64 carries, 122 receiving yards on 15 catches and four total touchdowns. He's the only reliable offense the Browns have at this point.
Description: Through four games, Browns running back Trent Richardson has 222 rushing yards on 64 carries, 122 receiving yards on 15 catches and four total touchdowns.
Insight: Richardson is only rushing for 3.5 yards per carry but he's been a solid fantasy contributor due to his ability to find the end zone. He had 104 total yards and a score Thursday against the Ravens.
Description: Cleveland quarterback Brandon Weeden completed just 51 percent of his passes and threw an interception but he also had 320 yards and nearly led a comeback Thursday against the Ravens.
Insight: Weeden wasn't great but Thursday showed the rookie could stand in the pocket against a tough defense on the road and still make some plays. If his receivers didn't drop a bunch of passes his numbers would have looked a lot better.
Description: Browns receiver Greg Little has gone from "up-and-coming" to disappointing in a short period of time.
Insight: Little had a solid rookie season, catching 61 balls for 709 yards and two touchdowns, but so far this year he's hauled in just seven balls for 74 yards. He's dropped a number of his 15 targets and is in danger who finding a spot on the Browns' bench.
Description: Cleveland quarterback Brandon Weeden struggled to the tune of 27-for-43 passing and two interceptions Sunday in a loss to the Bills.
Insight: Weeden threw for 237 yards but most of that came in garbage time and he was also sacked four times for a loss of 30 yards. Weeden showed us he has potential after a strong outing last week against Cincinnati but he's too inconsistent at this stage in his career to serve as anything more than a bench player in fantasy.
Description: Cleveland halfback Trent Richardson wasn't particularly impressive in his debut last Sunday versus Philadelphia but he looked terrific this week in a loss to the Bengals. He tallied 109 yards and contributed two touchdowns for the Browns, including one touchdown rushing and one receiving score.
Insight: Richardson had surgery on his knee just a little more than a month ago so his struggles in Week 1 were understandable. He looked extremely sharp in this game however, so don't expect Richardson's knee to be a hindrance going forward. Richardson could be a solid RB1 by the end of the season if he keeps this up.
Description: After a horrendous outing in Week 1, Browns QB Brandon Weeden bounced back with a stellar performance in Sunday's loss to the Bengals. The rookie threw for 322 yards and two touchdowns without recording an interception.
Insight: Cincinnati's pass defense has been suspect all year, so we're still not convinced that Weeden is fantasy-worthy just yet. However, Sunday's game was definitely a step in the right direction for the former Oklahoma State star.
Description: Browns running back Trent Richardson (knee) was a full participant in practice Wednesday, according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon-Journal.
Insight: Richardson carried the ball 19 times in his debut Sunday, but he couldn't create much against the Eagles (2.1 ypc). Expect a better performance in Week 2 against the Bengals, though his value could be hurt by fellow rookie Brandon Weeden's struggles.
Description: Browns coach Pat Shurmur said rookie starting quarterback Brandon Weeden will start in Week 2 against Cincinnati. Weeden was awful in Week 1 against the Eagles going 12-of-34 for 118 yards and four interceptions.
Insight: Weeden isn't going to be a fantasy-worthy starter anytime soon, but he's got to play well or the Browns only quality fantasy option,Trent Richardson, will be facing eight- and nine-man fronts.
Description: Browns running back Trent Richardson received 19 carries Sunday against the Eagles but he couldn't find any running room due to the ineptitude of the Browns passing offense.
Insight: Richardson didn't play in the preseason after having arthroscopic knee surgery in August. He finished with 39 yards, a 2.1 ypc average, while catching one pass for five yards. Brandon Weeden is going to have to do better in order for Richardson to be more than a flex play.
Description: Pick a stat, any stat, and Brandon Weeden was lousy at it in his first NFL game Sunday against the Eagles. He completed 34.3 percent of his passes, averaged 3.4 yards per attempt, threw zero interceptions and was picked off four times.
Insight: Nobody is starting Weeden in fantasy, but we'd like him to at least be competent to take some heat off of Trent Richardson (19 carries, 39 yards) and to give some value to Greg Little (0 catches).
Description: ESPN's Sara Walsh reports that Browns running back Trent Richardson is in the starting lineup for Sunday's game against Philadelphia.
Insight: Richardson had arthroscopic knee surgery early on in the preseason and has miraculously recovered in time to start the season opener. Rookie running backs always have some risk attached to them but we're confident the former Alabama star will be able to contribute this season. He's a solid RB2/flex option for Week 1.
Description: According to team beat writer Scott Petrak, Browns running back Trent Richardson (knee) is expected to play this Sunday, Browns coach Pat Shurmur said.
Insight: Richardson hasn't had any setbacks or swelling. Expect him to get 15 touches Sunday and do enough with those touches to be a solid RB2 option.
Description: Browns running back Trent Richardson (knee) said the only thing that would keep him out of Sunday's game is if Cleveland coach Pat Shurmur "doesn't feel like I'm ready," according to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal.
Insight: Richardson practiced Wednesday and has experienced no swelling in his surgically repaired knee. Even if he's listed as questionable, it's looking like the rookie will start Week 1 against the Eagles. Start him in fantasy.
Description: Browns cornerback Joe Haden was given a four-game suspension for failing a drug test for the prescription drug Adderall, which is among the league's list of banned substances, but will appeal the ruling and likely play in Week 1 against Philadelphia.
Insight: The Browns need Haden to play against the talented Eagles receivers. They will already be without defensive tackle Phil Taylor (torn pectoral muscle), linebacker Chris Gocong (torn Achilles tendon) and linebacker Scott Fujita (three-game suspension). If Haden does miss the game, start DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin and Brent Celek.
Description: Browns running back Trent Richardson (knee) is back at practice on Monday, according to Tony Grossi.
Insight: This would be his first action since having his knee scoped. The true test of the knee is whether he can come back at the Browns' next practice. He's still questionable for the season opener with Philadelphia, but he's certainly headed in the right direction. Expect a limited workload in the first few weeks of the season.
Description: According to ESPNCleveland.com, the Browns are not ruling out running back Trent Richardson (knee) for the season opener, even though he has yet to practice.
Insight: Richardson was back on the practice field Saturday, riding a stationary bike. Browns coach Pat Shurmur said, "If (Richardson) plays, he will be ready to go and play the whole game." That should help fantasy owners decide whether to start him Week 1.
Description: The Browns cut ties with backup quarterback Seneca Wallace on Friday.
Insight: Wallace became the odd man out after Cleveland used one of its first-round picks on Oklahoma State star Brandon Weeden. Wallace finishes his career as a Brown with 1,261 passing yards and six touchdowns in 14 games played.
Description: Browns running back Montario Hardesty started in place of Trent Richardson (knee) again this week, but didn't look good at all and may have lost his spot as the No. 2 guy. He rushed for 12 yards on eight carries and more importantly fumbled for the second week in a row.
Insight: At this point we are not sure whether Hardesty or Brandon Jackson is the correct handcuff, but given the inept Browns offense we suggest you stay away from both of them.
Description: Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plains Dealer continues to claim that Brandon Jackson and not Montario Hardesty is the No. 2 back for the Browns. Jackson had the better night against Philadelphia with seven carries for 34 yards while Hardesty managed eight carries for 12 yards.
Insight: Others still believe Hardesty is No. 2 behind Trent Richardson. With Richardson coming off a knee scope and likely limited early on this season, it's important to get to the truth. We will continue to monitor the situation.
Description: According to Adam Shefter, the Browns are expecting rookie running back Trent Richardson to be ready for the season opener against Philadelphia.
Insight: Richardson had a minor procedure on his left knee two weeks ago and hasn't encountered any setbacks in his recovery. If Richardson really is on pace to make it back in time for Week 1, he could become a late second-round pick in some fantasy leagues.
Description: According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Browns president Mike Holmgren said "there's a chance" Trent Richardson (knee) will be in the lineup in Week 1, but he added that the team wouldn't rush him back before he's ready.
Insight: Richardson had two knee scopes since February and is on schedule in his recovery from the latest one. While you should plan to be without him Week 1, he's still a steal at his current third-round ADP.
Description: According to ESPNCleveland.com, Browns receiver Greg Little "quietly has had a very good camp."
Insight: Little had a solid rookie season, catching 61 balls for 709 yards and two touchdowns, but he'll have to improve on his catch percentage of 50.4 (61-of-121) this season if he's going to make a larger impact. He's in a good position to do that with rookie QB Brandon Weeden at the helm, but he also must cut down on the dropped passes.
Description: According to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer, Browns running back Trent Richardson (knee) has started running in a pool and could run outside next week.
Insight: Even if the Browns limit Richardson's workload in Week 1, he's still a steal at his current third-round ADP.
Description: According to Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal, Browns coach Pat Shurmur said running back Trent Richardson has made good progress and might be ahead of schedule in his rehab from arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.
Insight: Richardson's second knee scope has clearly scared owners off. The running back was routinely drafted in the early second round on fantasyfootballcalculator.com mock drafts, but his ADP has steadily fallen since then, settling at 3.03 Sunday. Since the surgery doesn't seem like a season-threatening concern, that price tag seems like a steal to us.
Description: Browns running back Montario Hardesty started in place of Trent Richardson (knee) and rushed for 45 yards on 12 carries, though he did fumble on the opening drive.
Insight: Hardesty, not Brandon Jackson or Chris Ogbonnaya, figures to be the handcuff for Richardson in case his knee injury acts up in the regular season.
Description: Cleveland Browns rookie receiver Josh Gordon started opposite Greg Little last night with Mohamed Massaquoi sidelined by a concussion. He had two receptions for 38 yards, but was up and down as rookies frequently are.
Insight: Gordon appears to be in line for the No. 3 receiver spot. The former Baylor wideout caught 42 balls for 714 yards and seven scores in 2010, but was dismissed from the team in 2011 due to off-field issues.
Description: Browns rookie QB Brandon Weeden had an improved performance Thursday in his second preseason game, going 12-of-20 for 118 yards.
Insight: Weeden is a fringe QB2 at this point but his presence may make a Cleveland Browns receiver ownable for the first time since Braylon Edwards was with the team. Plus, he figures to keep defenses from playing eight men in the box versus rookie running back Trent Richardson.
Description: According to NFL.com, former Chicago White Sox and Bulls team doctor Neil Ghodadra said Browns running back Trent Richardson "should have no residual effects" from his arthroscopic knee surgery.
Insight: That's positive news, but Ghodadra also noted that if Richardson goes down and experiences pain and swelling in the knee during the season it likely means he has "some kind of cartilage defect in the knee." Richardson should be fine to start the season but we'll have to keep our fingers crossed that he doesn't have long-term issues with his knee.
Description: Jaguars wideout Brian Robiskie caught seven balls for 72 yards in Jacksonville's first preseason game.
Insight: Robiskie is stuck deep on the Jags depth chart and with Laurent Robinson, Justin Blackmon, Mike Thomas and Cecil Shorts in front of him, he'll need more performances like this to get additional playing time.
Description: Cleveland's rookie opening day starter Brandon Weeden didn't look very good in his first live NFL experience, going 3-for-9 for 62 yards, one interception and a fumble.
Insight: He'll need to do much better in the coming weeks to keep the starting job and have any fantasy value.
Description: Cleveland receiver Mohamed Massaquoi suffered a concussion in the team's preseason game on Friday night, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Insight: Massaquoi has talent, but in three seasons has never reach the point of being a fantasy-worthy starter. It's his third concussion and may open up an opportunity for Josh Gordon or Travis Benjamin.
Description: According to Fox Sports Ohio, Browns running back Montario Hardesty will get the start in place of Trent Richardson (knee) in the team's first preseason game Friday.
Insight: Hardesty revealed that he developed an infection after his ACL surgery in 2010 and wasn't fully recovered for the start of the 2011 season. He ended up rushing for 3.0 ypc in 2011 but he has "looked quicker and more fluid" in training camp. Hardesty will be a solid handcuff in case Richardson's knee woes turn out to be more serious than anticipated.
Description: The Cleveland Plain Dealer has confirmed the report that Browns rookie running back Trent Richardson will undergo arthroscopic knee surgery today to remove a tiny piece of loose cartilage.
Insight: Richardson underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on Feb. 3 to repair a torn meniscus. The team said his latest surgery is nothing more than a minor scope that is expected to keep Richardson out 2-3 weeks at the most, so Richardson may still be a solid first- or second-round draft pick in fantasy leagues. You can even make the case that the scope is better for Richardson's single-season value as he won't have to deal with pain or swelling during the season.
Description: Browns cornerback Joe Haden is facing a four-game suspension for failing a drug test for the prescription drug Adderall, which is among the league's list of banned substances.
Insight: The Browns will already be without defensive tackle Phil Taylor (torn pectoral muscle), linebacker Chris Gocong (torn Achilles tendon) and linebacker Scott Fujita (three-game suspension). With Haden facing a suspension as well, the Browns defense should not be drafted in any leagues.
Description: Browns rookie running back Trent Richardson's visit with Dr. James Andrews Wednesday included "tentatively" scheduling a second arthroscopic knee surgery, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reports.
Insight: Richardson underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on Feb. 3 to repair a torn meniscus. He's likely to miss the entire preseason after the scope but should be ready in time for the regular season. Still, it would be a huge risk to spend a first-round pick on the rookie after this latest news.
Description: Browns rookie running back Trent Richardson is experiencing soreness in his surgically repaired left knee and is headed to see Dr. James Andrews.
Insight: Richardson underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on Feb. 3 to repair a torn meniscus. Until we get a clear answer on his health beware of spending a high pick on him or at least make sure you have "backup" insurance.
Description: The Browns may hold rookie running back Trent Richardson out of Friday's preseason opener, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Richardson is experiencing soreness in his surgically repaired left knee.
Insight: Richardson underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on Feb. 3 to repair a torn meniscus. He sat out practice Tuesday, spending his time on an exercise bike with a rubber sleeve on his left leg. If he does miss Friday's game it would likely be a precautionary move that would have no impact on his standing as one of the top RBs off the board in fantasy drafts.
Description: Browns coach Pat Shurmur announced Monday that Brandon Weeden will be QB1 in Week 1, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer.
Insight: Weeden is a 28-year-old rookie, so it's no surprise the team wants to get him on the field as quickly as possible. Weeden will be a solid backup option in deeper leagues.
Description: Browns LB Chris Gocong may have ruptured his Achilles in Saturday's practice, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Cleveland Plain Dealer. It is likely a season-ending injury.
Insight: The Browns had trouble stopping the run last season, ranking 30th and giving up 147.4 ypg on the ground. This injury won't help that statistic. Starting your running backs against the Cleveland defense should be a good fantasy strategy for 2012.
Description: According to NBCSports.com, the Browns and No. 3 overall pick Trent Richardson have agreed to terms on a four-year, $20.5 million contract.
Insight: Richardson is expected to carry the bulk of the load from the get-go in Cleveland. He figures to be one of the top fantasy running backs this season as part of a rebuilt Browns offense led by Brandon Weeden.
Description: The Cleveland Browns selected former Baylor receiver Josh Gordon in the second round of the supplemental draft Thursday.
Insight: Gordon ran a 4.52 40-yard dash at his pro day Tuesday. The receiver caught 42 balls for 714 yards and seven scores in 2010 but was dismissed from the team in 2011 due to off-field issues. Cleveland doesn't have much depth at receiver after Greg Little so there's a chance Gordon could make an impact this season, but it's a long shot.
Description: Browns running back Montario Hardesty seems to have lost the No. 2 running back spot to Brandon Jackson and may be in in a fight just to make the Browns roster in 2012.
SOURCE: Cleveland Plain Dealer
Insight: Hardesty averaged just 3.02 ypc in 2011 and has also battled injuries in his career, missing the entire 2010 season due to a torn ACL.
Description: According to Terry Pluto of the Cleveland Plains Dealer, running back Brandon Jackson and not Montario Hardesty is the No. 2 back for the Browns.
Insight: If true, then Jackson has late-round value as a handcuff to rookie Trent Richardson. Hardesty will have to fight off Chris Ogbonnaya for the No. 3 roster spot and Ogbonnaya is a better special teams guy.
Description: Browns rookie running back Trent Richardson is working with the first team.
Insight: Not a huge surprise as the team traded up to get him. With little in the way of competition (Brandon Jackson, Montario Hardesty), Richardson has been highly ranked (ADP 13.7) in the latest fantasyfootballcalculator.com mock drafts. That may be a little high, but given the rest of the Browns offensive options he may see a huge workload.
Description: Browns running back Montario Hardesty is running reps with the first team alongside rookie Trent Richardson.
Insight: Hardesty averaged just 3.02 ypc in 2011 and will likely end up fighting with Brandon Jackson for leftovers. Barring an injury to Richardson or the rookie not being able to protect his quarterback in passing situations, neither Hardesty or Jackson will have much fantasy value in 2012.
Description: General Manager Tom Heckert said he expects Browns rookie Brandon Weeden to be the team's starting quarterback this season.
Insight: Weeden is coming off a huge season at Oklahoma State (4,727 yards, 37 TDs) and has to beat out incumbents Colt McCoy and Seneca Wallace. It remains to be seen how this would effect receivers Greg Little, Mohamed Massaquoi, Travis Benjamin and Josh Cribbs.
