CINCINNATI – Browns rookie running Trent Richardson exploded for his first NFL touchdown in the second quarter and Cleveland trailed 17-10 at halftime at Paul Brown Stadium.
Richardson, the No. 3 overall pick, took a draw up the middle, bounced to the right side and raced 32 yards for the score, capped by a somersault into the end zone. He got good blocks from receivers Greg Little and Travis Benjamin.
The touchdown cut Cincinnati’s lead to 14-10.
The Bengals added a 39-yard Mike Nugent field goal to make it 17-10. Quarterback Andy Dalton overthrew two open receivers in the end zone to set up the field goal.
The Bengals scored early in the quarter on a 10-yard completion to receiver A.J. Green.
The Browns finished the half without three of last week’s starters in the secondary. Cornerback Joe Haden is suspended, cornerback Sheldon Brown is active but hurt his neck last week and free safety Eric Hagg left the game with an eye injury. His return is questionable.
Brown’s streak of 161 straight games played is in jeopardy.
Dimitri Patterson and Buster Skrine started at corner, with rookie seventh-round pick Trevin Wade at nickelback. Undrafted rookie Tashaun Gipson replaced Hagg.
Receiver Greg Little also walked into the locker room with a trainer.
Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas had a rough half. He was beat twice on pressures of quarterback Brandon Weeden and was penalized for a false start and a hold.
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