Peyton Hills has been ruled out for the Cleveland Browns today, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Hillis was a late addition to Cleveland's injury report on Friday due to strep throat. He was present at Browns Stadium earlier this morning, but multiple reports indicate he was sent home and will not be active. Backup Montario Hardesty is expected to start in Hillis' place, tweets Jay Glazer.
Peyton Hillis Status Update: Hillis Won’t Play, Montario Hardesty To Start
Hardesty hasn’t seen much action this year -- he’s tallied a grand total of eight carries for 19 yards in the first two games -- but he told reporters Friday that he’s ready to fill in for his ill teammate. From the News-Herald:
“We had a guy down, today,” Hardesty said. “I have to be ready to step in and play. I feel like I’m ready to perform. I’ve been preparing well the last few weeks. I’m excited to get out there and play some football on Sunday.”
Hardesty, a second-round pick in 2010, was originally expected to be the Browns’ feature back last year before an ACL injury in the preseason landed him on the IR. In his absence, Hillis enjoyed a breakout season. For at least one week, though, Hardesty will have a chance to prove himself in the role he expected to have coming out of college.
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