Colts running back Trent Richardson has been cleared to play in the preseason opener against the Houston Texans, coach Chuck Pagano said Monday.

The Colts, who play their first preseason game Friday, will have a three-man rotation for the opener.

Richardson was cleared to participate at a press conference Monday, but coach Chuck, who spoke at length with Richardson after practice, said it’s too early to talk about him.

Richardson, who missed the first two preseason games because of a groin injury, was expected to return to practice Monday, Pagano told reporters Monday.

But Pagano did not provide a timetable for his return.

The Texans are also expected to be without running back DeAndre Washington, who was placed on injured reserve Tuesday with a hamstring injury.

Washington has not played in an NFL preseason game since the 2012 season opener, but he did have a brief appearance in Sunday’s preseason opener.

Richard is one of only two Colts who were drafted in the first round of the NFL draft.