The Browns have talked this week about getting operating back Montario Hardesty into the mix much more in an effort to lighten Peyton Hillis’ load, but the team won’t need to have Hardesty to begin.
Coach Pat Shurmur confirmed Friday he totally expected Hillis to start in spite of listing him as questionable on the injury report with an illness.
“He just wasn’t feeling properly,” said Shurmur via the Cleveland Plain-Dealer. “It just takes place this time of year, so we felt the ideal course of action was just to send him property. We’ll see how he’s performing, but whatever it is, we do not really feel like it’s going to impact him on Sunday. My thoughts are that he’ll be there.”
Hillis left Friday to rest and get a lot more fluids. The team talked about wanting to rest Hillis a lot more during the standard season, but haven’t followed by way of thus far. With Brandon Jackson hurt, Hillis has 57 touches (47 carries) in two weeks. He’s scored twice, but is averaging only three.4 yards-per-carry against the Bengals and Colts.
(And with that, I’m back at practice following my most excellent interruption this week. Elly and I thank you for all the west wishes.)
