Peyton

Hillis

Hillis was involved in a “swimming incident” off the coast of Pensacola, Florida on Thursday. He reportedly saved his kids from drowning in the ocean before being airlifted to a nearby hospital and placed in the ICU.

The Colts haven’t revealed the nature of Brackett’s injury, but it’s another unneeded blow to an Indianapolis run defense that has no prayer. Look for Pat Angerer to move from the strong side to middle linebacker, where he’ll start against the Browns. WLB Kavell Conner is expected to play Sunday, but is battling a bum left foot. Philip Wheeler figures to start at Sam. Peyton Hillis will be the best matchup-play running back in the NFL this week.

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.

“Strep throat will do that,” added Ulrich. It’s concerning because Hillis’ illness could affect his workload and endurance against a Dolphins defense that can stop the run. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Sunday morning that the Browns are “counting” on having Hillis play Sunday. The inactives will be announced in less than an hour. Montario Hardesty is next on the depth chart.

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.

The Browns will turn to Montario Hardesty in the backfield and veteran Artis Hicks in place of Pashos at right tackle. Hillis is battling a severe case of strep throat, but we suspect he’ll rejoin the lineup for Week 4. Hardesty, in the meantime, gets a golden opportunity to earn more carries going forward.

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.

Hillis lost 10-12 pounds last week, so he’s still putting weight back on. He participated in a full practice for the second straight day Thursday. Rotoworld ranks Hillis 13th among fantasy backs for this week’s game against the Titans.

Hillis’ workload could be dictated by game flow or a hot-hand situation, depending on how he looks early after losing 10-12 pounds. Montario Hardesty will also factor into the backfield. Hillis is a high-end RB2 against the Titans.