Daryl Richardson likely the St. Louis Rams' starting RB

Coach Jeff Fisher told NFL.com's Ian Rapoport last week that the St. Louis Rams likely will go with a committee of two or three running backs this season.

But Fisher suggested Tuesday that second-year pro Daryl Richardson already has emerged as the leader of that backfield committee.

"I think Daryl comes back as our starter," Fisher said Tuesday, via the Rams' official website. "He played significantly more last year than anybody."

The Rams essentially relegated Richardson to outside runs, pitches and receptions last season in an effort to get him in space as a complement to Steven Jackson. After outplaying the more highly touted 2012 second-round draft pick, Isaiah Pead, Richardson now has the experience edge entering preseason action. It doesn't hurt his case that Pead is suspended for the first game of the season.

"I'm a good quality back," Richardson said Tuesday, via Rams insider Tony Softli. "I feel I can do it all, be an every-down back."

While it's noteworthy that Fisher has endorsed Richardson with more than a month to go before the season opener, there's no reason to believe the Rams will back off their intention to use two or three tailbacks. If Pead or Zac Stacy develops the hot hand, Richardson still could take a backseat.

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