Chris

Ogbonnaya

Smith was waived earlier this week when the Browns signed RB Chris Ogbonnaya to add depth behind Montario Hardesty with Peyton Hillis (hamstring) missing the entire week of practice. To make room on the roster they released Xavier Omon from the practice squad.

Injuries have limited Hardesty to 10 games since he was a second-round pick in 2010, and in the words of Grossi, he “doesn’t have (the versatility) to play on third down and special teams” that Brandon Jackson and Chris Ogbonnaya do. Hardesty isn’t in danger of being waived tomorrow, but that will change if he doesn’t have a strong camp. Browns president Mike Holmgren has suggested Richardson will be an every-down back, so either way Hardesty’s fantasy value will be nil in Cleveland.

He’s now averaging 3.86 yards per career carry and 3.41 for the season. Ogbonnaya has fallen into an opportunistic situation with Hardesty and Peyton Hillis (hamstring) banged up, but will struggle to be more than a desperation flex option going forward due to middling talent. The Browns visit Houston in Week 9.

"(Hardesty) will miss some games, I can’t tell you how many,” said Shurmur. Peyton Hillis (hamstring) is still considered day to day. The Browns would be forced to turn to third-stringer Chris Ogbonnaya if Hillis can’t play in games going forward. A third-down back by trade, Ogbonnaya was plodding in Hardesty’s absence Sunday, rushing 11 times for 37 yards. Hardesty can be dropped in 12-team leagues. When the Cleveland backfield is at full strength, he’s only a committee back.

Hillis was pain-free in his return to a limited practice. While he conceded that he pushed the hamstring too hard last week, Hillis says his strength and flexibility were good enough to play Thursday if he had to. Barring another setback Friday, he’ll be in the starting lineup for perhaps 15-20 touches against the Texans’ stout run defense.

“To get three backs involved is a very difficult deal ... especially when your No. 1 guy is healthy and rolling,” coach Pat Shurmur explained. “You saw that Peyton had a real nice game, and Chris Ogbonnaya does some real nice things on third down.” Hardesty’s 3.1 yards per on 86 carries bodes poorly for his chances of landing the feature back job in 2012.

Beat writer Mary Kay Cabot hints that the Browns brass had already made up its mind on Hillis by Week 14. Increasingly injury-prone with a fumbling problem, Hillis won’t see the $5 million to $6 million a year he’s said to be requesting from the Browns. Per Cabot, the Browns believe the offensive line is strong enough that another back can be plugged in at a fraction of the cost.

The consensus is that Hillis will be unavailable for “at least” a couple more weeks after his Friday MRI showed a significant strain to his left hamstring. As of now, it appears he will not be healthy enough for Week 10 and possibly beyond. Recently signed Chris Ogbonnaya will draw his first career start Sunday.

Ogbonnaya has landed into an opportunistic situation with the Browns after being waived by the Texans in October. While his lack of experience and name recognition currently have him undervalued, he’s a viable flex option this week in a full-time role against the Texans’ injury-plagued defense.

Hardesty has been running, so it sounds like he’s nearing a return. He’s certainly ahead of Peyton Hillis (hamstring) at this point. Even if Hardesty doesn’t play this week, deep leaguers can make a speculative add. He’ll play over Chris Ogbonnaya on early downs once healthy.