When the Cleveland Browns traded away their super star running back Trent Richardson to the Indianapolis Colts just two games into 2013, everyone thought that the team was prematurely giving up on the season. The All American first rounder was supposed to be the cornerstone of the Cleveland offense for years to come.

Fast forward to Week 13 and the move is looking like a good one for the Browns. The Colts benched Richardson today and started Donald Brown instead. Ouch. Richardson has obviously been a major disappointment for the Colts but at least they do have Brown to fall back on. In terms of fantasy football, Richardson has been a colossal disappointment. The second year running back was drafted in the first round in almost every single fantasy league in the country.

Who can blame the Colts for cutting down on Richardson’s workload when he’s averaging a paltry 2.8 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Brown is averaging an impressive 5.7 points per carry and has become a goal line presence. The Colts aren’t turning their back on Richardson, however, they have to go with the guy making the plays. They are currently in first place in the AFC South at 8 – 4. However, Andrew Luck has been struggling throwing the ball down the field so their running game needs to be strong.

Today’s move seems to have worked out okay for the Colts. Brown did score a touchdown on Sunday, but he only had 54 rushing yards on the day. Meanwhile, the five times the ball was handed off to Richardson, he could only come up with 19 yards. But the bottom line is all that matters. So unless Richardson is on your fantasy team, where he has had very little value the entire year, the move seems to be working out for the Colts, who won today’s game against the Tennessee Titans 22 – 14.

Richardson had a strong rookie season for the Browns. He scored 12 touchdowns and rushed for over 1,300 yards. So of course, now that he’s struggling and has disappointed Colts fans (the Colts traded away their first pick of the 2014 draft for Richardson) and fantasy players alike, he’s hearing the backlash on Twitter.

Adrian Peterson goes over 10,000 yards rushing in his career. Trent Richardson on pace to eclipse 10K yards at age 451.

— Faux John Madden (@FauxJohnMadden) December 1, 2013

In an effort to keep it close and keep Colts fans worried, the Colts decide to run Trent Richardson into a wall on the 5 yard line.

— Andrew Luck (@FauxAndyLuck) December 1, 2013

Many now seeing reality of Trent Richardson trade: Browns leveraged Colts' injury (Ballard) to get #1 for player not in their plans.

— Andrew Brandt (@adbrandt) December 1, 2013

The Colts will hit the road next Sunday and play a tough Cincinnati team. No word yet on Richardson’s status, however, his lack of production today does not help his chances next weekend.

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