St Louis Rams coach Jeff Fisher has confirmed that Daryl Richardson will start the season as the number one running back for the franchise.

Richardson had been tipped to be in pole position to replace Steven Jackson, who joined the Atlanta Falcons during the off-season having become the franchise's all-time leader in rushing yards.

The 23-year-old was expected to compete with fellow second-year Isaiah Pead and rookie Zac Stacy for the starting role, but his performances in pre-season made him the stand-out candidate.

"Well, from a starting standpoint, yeah, I think Daryl would probably take the first snap against Arizona," ESPN quotes Fisher as saying.

The Rams have lost their opening two pre-season games and will face the Denver Broncos in their third warm-up match on Saturday.