Montario

Hardesty

Darren McFadden (hamstring) and Rashad Jennings (hamstring) are both questionable for Sunday’s game at Kansas City. That leaves only Marcel Reece and Jeremy Stewart as healthy backs on the active roster. If one of this uninspiring free agent trio ends up signed, we’ll know the Raiders expect DMC and Jennings to sit.

Hillis has 54 touches through two weeks, but is averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. This comes after he averaged just 3.9 YPC over the final eight games of last season. “Peyton is a bruising-style runner that needs a little bit of relief at times, and I think that’s what we’ll try to do a better job of next time,” said Shurmur. Selling high on Hillis is a value play.

Hardesty didn’t get a touch until early in the fourth quarter yesterday and fumbled on a carry inside the 5-yard line. But Shurmur didn’t seem worried about that and Hillis could certainly use a break. He’s averaging just 3.4 yards per carry this season after getting just 3.9 YPC over the final eight games of last season.

Hardesty is now set up for a monster workload. Unfortunately, he hasn’t shown much as a pro. Dogged by knee injuries so far in his career, Hardesty has managed just 19 yards on eight regular season carries after a pedestrian preseason. He’s not exhibited any big-play ability or special qualities as a runner. All that said, Hardesty could push for 25 touches against the Dolphins’ No. 22 run defense. He’s worth a long look as a flex starter.

According to Cabot, the Browns remain “hopeful” he’ll play on Sunday. Although strep throat is not a pleasant experience, the odds that Hillis doesn’t suit up against the Dolphins are just about zero. Montario Hardesty will be in for a bigger workload than usual, but Hillis should still easily lead the Browns in touches.

With Peyton Hillis (illness) a late scratch, Hardesty showed well. He was especially impressive as the passing-down back, picking up blitzes well and displaying good hands out of the backfield. Backup Armond Smith barely played, recording two carries. It was a strong enough performance for Hardesty’s role to grow even when Hillis is healthy.

The Browns vehemently deny that Hillis is available, but they have plenty of incentive to lie. “There’s a sense they could be persuaded. We’ll see,” Mortensen said. Hillis’ contract issue, strep throat and now hamstring problem have contributed to his nightmare season. Montario Hardesty has been average at best in a backup role this season.

The Lions were said to be interested before their trade for Ronnie Brown, but there were conflicting reports as to whether the Browns even fielded a phone call on Hillis. Theoretically, this should increase the chances that Hillis signs a long-term deal to remain in Cleveland beyond 2011.

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.

Montario Hardesty will serve as the feature back today, but we don’t have high hopes. The Seahawks have given up just the 25th-most fantasy points to opposing backs and Chris Ogbonnaya will be mixed in on passing downs. Consider Hardesty a mere desperation flex play and Hillis a bench stash until further notice.