When the Browns moved up to take Trent Richardson with the third overall pick, some didn't like the decision because teams aren't supposed to take a running back that high. Running backs don't last too long in this league.

Richardson has had injury issues that have caused some concern. But he came back from minor knee surgery during training camp and was lined up in the backfield when the regular season began. This week, he is going to wear a protective flak jacket in order to play.

This comes a few days after he had trouble breathing following a helmet hit to his side. Richardson declined to tell the Akron Beacon Journal whether he broke a rib Sunday. Wouldn't he say that he didn't break a rib if that was the case?

Richardson hasn't broken out this season on the same level of Andrew Luck or Robert Griffin III. But you have seen flashes that he can be a top-five running back in this league in the future.

What stands out so far is Richardson's toughness. He has played in every game this year. He played after injuring his ribs last Sunday. Now, he will do whatever it takes to play at Indianapolis.

"They make them bullet-proof now," coach Pat Shurmur said of the flak jacket. "He told me he already was."