Darrell Davis: Can Richardson play?

Trent Richardson, like Vince Young, is worth the risk.

Young, a quarterback, proved he couldn’t play in the CFL, but it didn’t cost the Saskatchewan Roughriders very much. Richardson, the third choice in the 2012 NFL draft, spent time with four teams but never matched his college performances at Alabama. It looked like his football career was over in the 2016 preseason. A powerful runner with an ability to participate in the passing game, Richardson reportedly struggled with his blocking assignments as his yards-per-carry withered.

He nearly joined the Riders earlier this year but — with his eyes on returning to the NFL — balked at having to sign a contract for one year plus an option. The Roughriders need a running back, having lost Cameron Marshall to the six-game injury list, so they again sought out Richardson.

This time he joined them, arriving midway through Tuesday’s practice at Mosaic Stadium. Although Richardson’s not expected to play Friday in Ottawa, he gets an opportunity to show he can do what Young can’t — play Canadian football.