It was the rookie's second practice undergoing his second knee operation this year on Aug. 9, and it appears the third overall pick in April's draft will make his delayed debut Sunday when the Browns open the regular season at home against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Head coach Pat Shurmur told reporters after Wednesday's session that "Trent practiced well.” Shurmur added: "He looks great.”

According to Associated Press sports writer Tom Withers, after missing all four preseason games, Richardson is eager to make an impact on his new team, city and league.

'I can't stand watching preseason games without being out there,' he said after practice. 'It's been a long time since I've touched a football. I've got to make sure I'm part of this team. I've got to get on that field and contribute to this team. Just watching, I was very antsy. I had to take that time and realize this might be the best thing for my career - to get my leg right.'

The Browns are ready for him.

Cleveland ranked 28th in rushing last season and scored a league-low four touchdowns on the ground. The 5-8, 230-pound Richardson, described by Withers as having "the physique of a bodybuilder and speed of a track star," will bolster a Browns offense that scored just 218 points last season.

'Obviously he's a huge addition,' rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden said. 'Being able to turn and hand him the ball is one of the best plays we have in our playbook. You have to respect him. Guys in the box have to account for him. He's obviously an extremely gifted runner. I'm excited to see him pass block, I'm excited to see him catch balls out of the backfield, do all those different things.

'He's a guy I'm excited to have back in this lineup, and I know he's champing at the bit to start playing again.'

Richardson wasn't on the field when the Eagles thrashed the Browns 27-10 in an Aug. 24 preseason game. However, Philadelphia coach Andy Reid knows enough about him to be expecting a handful.

'He's a heck of a football player, so that's what we're expecting,' Richardson said. 'You talk about a guy that was a great college player. He's built for the NFL game, so we know with him you've got size and speed, toughness, quickness, and you better wrap him up and make sure that you tackle well with him.'

Richardson hasn't had any real contact since early camp. He'll get his first taste of what to expect against the Eagles during Thursday's practice, when the Browns will be in full pads to work on short-yardage situations.

'I'm very anxious to take a pop and give one,' he said. 'If you're a running back you don't want to get hit too many times. You want to give that first hit. I can't wait.'

Stay tuned. I'll have more after Thursday's practice is over.

In the meantime, I'll remind you again to keep your expectations to a reasonable level. It still seems likely Richardson's workload will be limited early on. ...

Also of interest. ... According to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, two skill players returned to practice today: Tight end Jordan Cameron (leg) and running back Chris Ogbonnaya.