Trent Richardson, who started the season as a top running back and became one of the biggest names traded during the season, has been demoted to a backup by the Indianapolis Colts, according to multiple reports Sunday.
Richardson, who was traded from the Browns to the Colts in September, has been replaced in the starting lineup by Donald Brown for Sunday’s game against the Titans, The NFL Network and ESPN both reported Sunday morning.
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Richardson, who the Colts acquired for a first-round draft pick, was expected to be a big part of the team’s offense along with quarterback Andrew Luck. But he has struggled since the trade, averaging just 2.9 yards per carry. He has yet to top 60 yard rushing in a game.
Brown, who started the season as the Colts’ third-string back, rushed for 80 yards and two touchdowns against Tennessee on Nov. 14.
The Colts have slumped to 7-4 and have been blown out in two of the past three weeks by the Rams and Cardinals. They have been outscored 93-12 in the first half of their past four games.