ST. LOUIS -- Daryl Richardson was surprised when he found out this off-season that longtime NFL running back Steven Jackson was no longer a St. Louis Ram. But Richardson also knew what Jacksons signing as a free agent with the Atlanta Falcons meant for him. "It was shocking to hear it, but of course, it means a bigger role for me and an opportunity to step up and have a bigger part on the team," said Richardson, a second-year pro who is one of several backs trying to take Jacksons old spot. Richardson played a larger part on last years team than probably he or most anyone else anticipated. In addition to having Jackson entrenched as the starter, the Rams used a second-round pick in 2012 on Isaiah Pead from Cincinnati. St. Louis picked Richardson, a 5-foot-10, 195-pound running back out Abilene Christian, five rounds later. Pead was seen by many as Jacksons heir apparent. But Richardson outplayed Pead and his quickness proved to be a nice change of pace to Jacksons battering style. Richardson played in 16 games and rushed 98 times for 475 yards, an average 4.8 yards per carry. He also had 24 catches for 163 yards. With Jackson gone, the Rams are looking over all their options at running back. Pead is still in the mix, though he has suspended for the first game for violating the NFLs substance abuse policy. Also looking to enter the mix is Zac Stacy, a fifth-round selection this April from Vanderbilt. Rams coach Jeff Fisher has not officially named a starter, but he has nothing but good things to say about Richardson. "I think Daryl came back in great shape," Fisher said. "We got a pretty good idea of what Daryl can do. "Were going to continue to push him through the preseason and the preseason games, and we expect him to have a productive year for us." So does Richardson, who wants to prove that he is more than a change of pace player. "You have to believe you can be an every-down player," he said. "You have to have that mind frame and that mentality." In the Rams preseason opener Thursday, a 27-19 setback in Cleveland, Richardson did nothing to hurt himself. He had four carries for 24 yards and also caught two balls for 20 yards. Still, Richardson is taking nothing for granted. "Im just going to play out the competition," Richardson said. "Im excited about the season and Im just trying to get better every day." Nike Tn Scontate . - Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie never doubted he would bring back coach Dennis Allen for a third year despite back-to-back 4-12 records. Air Max 90 Uomo Saldi .com) - The game was all punts and field goals before Kodi Whitfields catch. http://www.airmaxoutletscontate.it/ .com) - The Edmonton Oilers and Vancouver Canucks both take aim at their first wins of the season on Saturday, as the Canucks open their home slate at Rogers Arena. Air Max Outlet Italia . -- Ken Appleby made 32 saves for his first shutout of the season to lead the Oshawa Generals to a 2-0 win over the Belleville Bulls on Wednesday in Ontario Hockey League action. Nike Air Max Saldi . Artturi Lehkonen, Joni Nikko and Ville Leskinen had the other goals for Finland (1-0) while Juuse Saros stopped 28 shots. Tim Robin Johnsgard had the lone goal for Norway (0-2).Jonny Bairstow says England must believe they can salvage at least a draw from the second Test after ending day three 298 runs behind India. The wicketkeeper-batsman put on 110 with Ben Stokes but the tourists still conceded a 200-run, first-innings deficit which India swelled by scoring 98-3 before the close - Virat Kohli leading the way with 56 not out.Bairstow told Sky Sports that England - who will have Stuart Broad available to bowl for the rest of the match despite a strained tendon in the seamers foot - must battle on. The best of the action from day three in Visakhapatnam As long as we keep playing straight, and have belief and confidence in our ability, then it wont be the first time that weve had to bat a period of time on a pitch that is worse than that, said Bairstow.If it starts turning weve come from Bangladesh where the pitches have turned a lot too. Its going to be tough to face the music but at the same time we know we have the capabilities and guys that have scored runs in the sub continent to do that.It was only last week that we scored 500-odd on a pitch not too dissimilar to that. Its going to be a challenge, but why not enjoy that challenge. Ian Ward and Nasser Hussain discuss Stuart Broads injury and consider Englands bowling options Broad helped to limit the damage of Englands first innings by claiming 2-6 in Indias second innings before scan results showed that he has strained a tendon and one of the small joints in his right forefoot.ddddddddddddJames Anderson bowled in-form Cheteshwar Pujara for one to raise England hopes of restricting Indias advance and Bairstow says England must continue to create chances.I think at the start of the day getting to within 200 of them, having been five down, was a reasonable effort from us, he added.Then to take three early wickets was a good start. Tomorrow morning we come back, its 9.30 in the morning, hopefully we get something out of the pitch early on with the seamers and create a couple chances and then you just dont know. Its going to take a couple of special knocks, but the way Virat has gone out there and played tonight just shows you that runs are to be had and scored on this wicket.Bairstows day started in bizarre fashion as he tripped up as he walked to the wicket, forcing him to leave the field immediately for treatment before facing a ball.He reflected: My foot got stuck in the grass and I ended up looking a bit like an idiot to be honest