Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Cleveland rookie Richardson may miss first game

Cleveland Browns running back Trent Richardson, left, may miss the team’s first preseason game Friday. (Associated Press)
Associated Press

Trent Richardson may miss his first game for the Cleveland Browns.

The highly regarded rookie was not in pads, his left leg was wrapped, and he did not participate in practice at all on Tuesday.

It could be the result of going full-bore the past two weeks on a knee that was surgically repaired this spring. That’s one of the reasons Richardson did not fully participate in the NFL combine in April.

Richardson has been quite impressive in camp, displaying quickness and toughness. He did miss practice time last week with what Browns coach Pat Shurmur said was a headache.

NFL sees fewer concussions

Changes to the NFL’s kickoff rules appear to account for a slight decline in the number of concussions reported across the league last season, according to a consulting firm’s study of injury data provided by the NFL Players Association.

Jesse David, senior vice president at Edgeworth Economics, said the number of concussions reported on kickoffs decreased by about 43 percent from 2010 to 2011. That led to a slight drop in the overall number of reported concussions, reversing a multiyear trend toward more head injuries, he said.

Goodell at Reid’s funeral

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Browns President Mike Holmgren and Patriots coach Bill Belichick were among more than 900 people who packed a Mormon church for the funeral service of Garrett Reid, son of Eagles coach Andy Reid in Broomall, Pa.

Garrett Reid was found dead in his dorm room Sunday morning at Lehigh University, where he was assisting the Eagles strength and conditioning coach during training camp.

Ryan punishes Jets

A day after a 20-player brawl highlighted a chippy practice, Jets coach Rex Ryan had his players run a series of sprints as punishment for a few minor scuffles on the field.

With most of the media off to the side speaking with team owner Woody Johnson, a few players got into it and Ryan immediately called the team together. He shouted at his players and then had them run gassers – sprints from sideline to sideline – for at least 10 minutes.

Manning looks good

Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos are treating their visit to Chicago on Thursday night just like any other preseason opener.

Only, it isn’t.

This marks the four-time MVP’s first game of any sort since Jan. 30, 2011, when he went 2 for 5 for 12 yards and an interception in the AFC’s 55-41 loss to the NFC in the Pro Bowl.

Around the league

Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Justin Blackmon signed a four-year deal worth about $18.5 million Monday night and started earning his money when he took part in his first training camp practice. … Andrew Luck isn’t sure how much he’ll play in the Colts’ Sunday’s preseason opener, and he’s not lobbying for more time. … Broncos Pro Bowl defensive end Elvis Dumervil won’t be charged in a road rage incident in Miami Beach, Fla. … Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt calls Kevin Kolb’s injury minor and expects the quarterback to play in Friday’s preseason game against Kansas City.