In what has been a tough stretch of bad news, the Cleveland Browns got a break of sorts with running back Trent Richardson.

The third overall pick in the 2012 draft is tentatively scheduled to have arthroscopic surgery Thursday to remove a "hang nail particle" of loose cartilage that is irritating his left knee, sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

The good news is Richardson's injury isn't considered related to the torn meniscus that required surgery in the same left knee six months ago. The best news for the Browns is he's expected to return before the regular-season opener.

This is truly minor when compared to the other issues that the Browns have had to deal with recently. On Saturday, the Browns lost starting linebacker Chris Gocong for the season after he injured his right Achilles tendon. Then, on Wednesday, a report surfaced that the NFL is reviewing a failed drug test by cornerback Joe Haden that could result in a four-game suspension.