Trent Richardson was one of the worst running backs in the NFL over the last couple of seasons, and he disappointed the Indianapolis Colts in a huge way. He looked like a potential star during his rookie season with the Cleveland Browns, but now is considered to be a major bust.
After his two disappointing seasons with the Colts, the Oakland Raiders decided to take a flier on him and give him a contract. He was reportedly looking a bit better early on in the offseason, Unfortunately, that doesn’t appear to be the case anymore and there are real concerns about whether or not he will even end up making the final roster.
Asked about Trent Richardson’s chances of making #Raiders: 50%, I’m told. Besides Latavius Murray, competition with Roy Helu & Michael Dyer
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) August 2, 2015
Last season with the Colts, Richardson ended up carrying the football 159 times for 519 yards and three touchdowns. He also caught 27 passes for 229 yards on the season.
Those numbers were not even close to what the Colts were expecting and needing from him. He has yet to show the potential to become a legitimate starting running back, and didn’t use being let go by the Colts as motivation to make the necessary improvements to turn his career around. That is a major concern, and obviously is a big issue for the Raiders.
One of the biggest issues over the past couple seasons with Richardson has been his weight. He ended up getting suspended last year for weight issues, and it was a big factor that held him back from the explosion that he showed in college and with the Browns. At 5-foot-9 and 230 pounds, Richardson simply can’t make the type of impact that a starting running back is asked to make.
Perhaps he can turn things around with the Raiders in training camp and preseason action, but that simply doesn’t seem likely at this point in time. Oakland has some talent at the position for the first time in awhile, and Richardson likely won’t find a ton of playing time even if he does make the roster. Richardson is battling for his career, and might very well end up coming short of his goal.
