BEREA - There's no need trying to convince running back Trent Richardson to take a few weeks off so he can finally get healthy.
"They know what my mindset is," Richardson said after finishing practice Wednesday. "I'm not going to sit down. It's never been in me to sit down. I only sat in a game when I had to.
"I'm going to go out there and see what I can do. If I can't finish the game, Montario (Hardesty) is going to be there."
Richardson admits that he hasn't been 100 percent healthy since the start of training camp. He had two microscopic knee surgeries within a period of six months (February and August). The latter procedure sidelined him for most of training-camp practices and all four preseason games.
Richardson suffered damage to cartilage in the chest and rib area in the win over the Cincinnati Bengals 11 days ago. He played with a flak jacket last Sunday against the Indianapolis Colts but had just eight carries for 8 yards before coach Pat Shurmur decided to go with Hardesty.
Shurmur continues to say that Richardson didn't suffer further damage against the Colts. Richardson told reporters after the game that no one knows how badly he feels.
"From my perspective I thought I was going to be better," Richardson said. "Of course, I didn't have any contact going into the game. It was a little worse than I thought it would be as far as pain-wise and taking a hit. Coach made the right decision."
NO SURPRISE: Linebacker Scott Fujita has been placed on the injured-reserve list with a neck injury. It's possible that the injury could end his 11-year career.
Fujita is one of the players suspended by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell for his reported involvement in the New Orleans Saints' bounty scandal. He's currently appealing the one-game suspension.
Shurmur has spoken with Fujita, but he didn't try to nudge him into retirement.
"Retirement decisions are personal," Shurmur said. "Those are decisions you have with your loved ones. For a player, sometimes that decision is made for you. If you're no longer on a roster and you don't get picked up, eventually it sets in. We all want to be in control of our own situations, but I think it's fair to say that most of us aren't."
MOVING THE CHAINS: Quarterback Brandon Weeden has passed for more yards (1,783) than any of the rookie quarterbacks this season. Andrew Luck is second with 1,674, and Robert Griffin III is third at 1,601.
Weeden has thrown for the second most yards through seven games of any rookie. Cam Newton of the Panthers had 2,103 through seven games last season.
CAPTAIN WEEDEN: Weeden has been selected as an alternate captain by regular captains D'Qwell Jackson, Joe Thomas and Phil Dawson. He's the second rookie to receive the honor. Richardson was also an alternate.
INJURY REPORT: Not participating for the Browns were cornerback Dimitri Patterson (ankle) and defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin (calf). Players that were limited included defensive backs Tashaun Gipson (knee), Ray Ventrone (hand/calf), T.J. Ward (hand/shoulder), Usama Young (hamstring); Hardesty (knee); receiver Mohamed Massaquoi (hamstring) and offensive lineman Ryan Miller (illness).
