BEREA, Ohio -- Clichés dominate sports, and one of them is a team can never have enough talented players at any position.

The Cleveland Browns are about to challenge that bromide.

Because when Ben Tate returns -- which will likely happen this week -- the Browns will have three talented running backs, all of whom will want the ball. This is not a bad thing, except that by Tate’s own admission, only two can play.

“That’s tough to have three running backs," Tate said. "As a running back you want to get in a rhythm, so it’s tough to have three. But two? Yeah, I think definitely two running backs can get the job done.”

Which means that either Terrance West or Isaiah Crowell may see his touches drop Sunday in Tennessee (assuming Tate plays). Which means someone might not be happy.

The Browns signed Tate to be the starter. He did well in preseason and in the limited time he had in Pittsburgh before spraining his right knee. Coach Mike Pettine and running backs coach Wilbert Montgomery both said Tate would return to the starting lineup when healthy.

West was drafted in the third round to share time with Tate, and he’s played well, running for a team-high 204 yards and two touchdowns. But Crowell has really opened eyes. The undrafted free agent is a punishing runner who is averaging 5.2 yards per carry.

How do they see the playing time shaking out?

“I envision all of us being out there, getting time, getting reps, running the ball (and) being the best backfield in the league,” Crowell said.

“Whoever’s got the hot hand and whoever will get us the win, that’s who we’re going to roll with,” West said.

The Browns had all three active in Pittsburgh, and Crowell scored two touchdowns. That happened after Tate was hurt, but it’s possible the team could find carries for all three. Tate, though, is the clear starter by virtue of his experience and ability.

If there are issues with the setup, it might be worth thinking back to the halcyon days of 2013.

Then the Browns’ leading rusher was Willis McGahee, who had 377 yards, less than twice what West has in three games.

Then the Browns had no 100-yard rushing games; West had one in his first NFL game.

Then the Browns had four rushing touchdowns all season; now the Browns have five.

Then offensive coordinator Norv Turner scoffed incredulously at a question about running the ball more; now Pettine says the team is committed to a mentality that they will run the ball.

Then the team had a safety (on a fake punt) and two receivers lead the team in rushing in games. Now there are three running backs who are averaging at least 4 yards per carry.

The Fozzy Whittaker/Edwin Baker days are over.

The Browns addressed the issue in the offseason, signing a veteran free agent, drafting a back and bringing in another undrafted free agent. If addressing the issue leads to occasional unhappiness, so be it. Fantasy team owners just have to pick the right guy.

In Cleveland, the running game matters, and the fact the Browns recognize that truth is a welcome development.