According to NFL Networks Jason LaCanfora, Alabama running back Trent Richardson will not participate in on the field drills at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this weekend due to a "minor knee injury". LaCanfora reports that Richardson "suffered a minor injury in a practice leading up to last month's BCS national championship game, and had a "minor scope" about three weeks ago to alleviate his discomfort."

Richardson has been linked to the Buccaneers and the 5th pick alongside Morris Claiborne as the most likely options for the selection.

Many fans on this site seem to be divided about which choice would play out best for Tampa Bay. While many believe Richardson is the right choice, a majority of fans and critics have pointed to the recent value drop at the running back position in the draft, citing shortened careers due to injury and the overall toll a backs body takes in the modern NFL.

Should Richardson not participate, his pro day could become imperative to show NFL teams that he is in shape to play the 2012 season and that this "minor injury" will not linger and potentially shorten his lifespan in the league. Though, if the injury is as minor as stated above, it should not be a big concern for anyone looking to draft Richardson in April.

http://www.nfl.com/combine/story/09000d5d8271f922/article/richardson-has-knee-injury-wont-do-onfield-drills-at-combine?module=HP11_headline_stack