With second-year running back Trent Richardson being held out to protect a bruised shin, Dion Lewis will start the Cleveland Browns' preseason opener against the St. Louis Rams on Thursday night.
The club provided that news via a report on its website that also included an extensive list of inactives:
In addition to Richardson, the Browns will be without wide receiver David Nelson (knee), running back Montario Hardesty (hamstring tendon), defensive backs Chris Owens (foot), Leon McFadden (groin), Jamoris Slaughter (Achilles’ tendon), and T.J. Ward, fullback Brock Bolen, tight end Brad Smelley, offensive linemen Ryan Miller(concussion), Shawn Lauvao (ankle), Chris Faulk (knee), and Oniel Cousins, and defensive lineman David Kruger.
Buster Skrine will start at cornerback for Owens, while Johnson Bademosi will play at safety for Ward. Jason Pinkston will start at right guard in place of Lauvao.
