If starter Trent Richardson continues to be bothered by a rib cartilage injury, Hardesty could be in line to see extended action against the Colts Sunday.||||||| Richardson, who suffered the injury against the Bengals Sunday, is expected to start. However, the Browns figure to be monitoring him closely. Chris Ogbonnaya could also see more touches if Richardson is limited.

Coach Pat Shurmur said Sunday that Hardesty is making the most of increased playing time since Richardson had knee surgery Aug. 9.||||||| Except for Hardesty's costly fumble on the first play at Green Bay on Thursday, the third-year running back is showing the style the Browns expected when they made him a second-round choice in 2010.

If Trent Richardson can't play Friday, Hardesty will get the chance to show if he has progressed.||||||| A second-round choice from Tennessee in 2010, he tore up his left knee in the preseason that year and missed the entire season. In sporadic time a year ago, he rushed for 266 yards in 10 games. Hardesty, in better shape now after dropping about 10 pounds down to 215, is eager to play.

Hardesty is active against Baltimore after missing four games with a calf injury. Hardesty was set to make his return last week at Cincinnati but aggravated his injury during warmups.||||||| With Hardesty back and Peyton Hillis healthy after missing five games with a hamstring injury, the Browns are as healthy on offense as they've been all season.