The Chargers are already catching a break by playing the Cleveland Browns this weekend. There is also talk that the Browns may shut down rookie RB Trent Richardson for the game.

ESPN’s Ed Werder reported:

“The team (is) now discussing whether to hold him out through the bye week to allow him to heal. The fear being that if they don’t, he’ll be debilitated by his injury all year long. There’s internal conflict about shutting him down, though, because Pat Shurmur the coach has to win some games here. They’ve only got one victory and Jimmy Haslam the new owner says he wants a stronger finish if he’s going to bring back the coaching staff.” (via Rotoworld)

That could be 545 total yards and 5 touchdowns sitting on the sideline. That should give the Chargers defense a little bit of a break.

If they do play Richardson, paint a big red X on his injured ribs and keep pounding on them!

Marvin Gentry-US PRESSWIRE

Everyone thinks the Chargers should concentrate on defense in the early rounds of the draft and I wholeheartedly agree but what if one of the top five running backs were still available at their first or second pick?

A.J. Smith did mention that this year they were going to choose the best player available when their pick comes up. Should the Chargers grab a running back with one of their first 2 picks?

If Trent Richardson were available when Chargers pick at number 18, Chargers should get him IF, and only if they are considering using this pick for a running back, otherwise they should forget about drafting a running back. Richardson “can run inside with power and strength” according to Charley Casserly of NFL Network.

Ryan Mathews is better on the edges rather than up the middle. If Mathews does get injured, Richardson can fill both roles. Heck, if Mathews keeps dropping the rock, he may even be benched in favor of Richardson.