The Facts: Richardson became a forgotten man in the Rams’ backfield in 2013, and it wasn’t just the emergence of Zac Stacy that pushed him into the background. A significant turf toe injury in the season opener knocked Richardson’s second NFL season off track, and he never got back on course.

Diehards Line: Post-Dispatch staffer Jim Thomas explained that because of the injury, he couldn’t push off the front of the foot. It not only affected his acceleration — probably the best facet of his game — it made planting and cutting difficult. Such injuries can linger forever, and such was the case with Richardson. Even though he didn’t play in the final eight games, he kept practicing for most of that time. Now that the offseason is here, the Rams want Richardson to stay off the foot and let it heal. There is no surgery planned, a source close to Richardson tells Thomas. As he tries to finally put the turf toe issue behind him, the challenge for Richardson becomes trying to work his way back into the picture at running back. Can he get there? Stacy became firmly entrenched not only as the starter but as someone who got a heavy workload every Sunday. Benny Cunningham became the No. 2 running back, with Isaiah Pead getting in a play here and there mainly as a third-down back. To seriously compete for playing time in such a role, Thomas believes Richardson still must improve on his pass catching and pass protection. Then it might become a case of either Richardson or Pead dressing as the No. 3 back on game day and also contributing on special teams.