Browns' Peyton Hillis still out

Updated: November 21, 2011, 6:04 PM ET
ESPN.com news services

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns coach Pat Shurmur said Monday that running back Peyton Hillis will miss his sixth consecutive game this week with a hamstring injury.

Hillis hasn't played since getting hurt on Oct. 16 at Oakland, and Shurmur ruled the bruising back, who has missed seven games overall, out against the Bengals.

AFC North blog

Hensley ESPN.com's Jamison Hensley writes about all things AFC North in his division blog.

• Blog network: NFL Nation

Hillis rushed for nearly 1,200 yards last season for the Browns, but his second year in Cleveland has been beset by injury and controversy. Shurmur remains "hopeful" Hillis will return at some point in 2011, but he doesn't know when.

"Based on what he's rehabbing, his hamstring, I'd anticipate that he'll be back soon," Shurmur said. "I can't tell you yet exactly, that's the thing. Each guy's different."

Running back Montario Hardesty practiced last week but was kept out of his third game in a row with a calf injury. The Browns are being extra cautious with Hardesty, who missed his rookie season after undergoing major knee surgery.

"For those of us who walk, a calf is no big deal," Shurmur said. "But if you're a runner you have to make sure it's right."

Also, Browns rookie fullback Owen Marecic sustained a concussion Sunday and his status for this weekend's game is unclear. Marecic had a solid all-around game against the Jaguars, and Shurmur said the former Stanford standout has been a "steady performer" all season.

Safety T.J. Ward will miss his third straight game with a sprained foot. Ward is in a protective boot and said Sunday he expects to be back "in a few weeks."

Shurmur said wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi made it through his first full game since suffering a concussion on Oct. 23. Massaquoi was hit by two Jaguars on a catch in the fourth quarter.

Quarterback Colt McCoy, who took several big hits on his right shoulder but didn't miss a snap in Sunday's 14-10 win over Jacksonville, is expected to practice this week as the Browns (4-6) prepare to play at Cincinnati -- the first of six tough games to end the season.

Shurmur said McCoy had general soreness and did not undergo any further medical tests.

"He's fine," Shurmur said. "He got banged around a little bit. It was his shoulder, but he's fine. We didn't go through any major evaluation."

McCoy was in pain following a sack in the third quarter, and for a moment it appeared he would have to leave the game. But after being treated by the team's medical staff, the second-year QB returned and led the Browns to a go-ahead touchdown.

McCoy has absorbed his share of hard hits this season, but has managed to stay in games. There may be some who question his arm strength and decision-making, but no one doubts McCoy's toughness.

"I'm getting a strong appreciation for how tough he is," Shurmur said. "That's the cornerstone of what makes a good football player. All the other stuff we can congratulate or debate."

McCoy made a brief appearance in the locker room and said his shoulder was "good."

Information from The Associated Press contributed to this report.

ESPN Conversations

comments

MORE NFL HEADLINES

MOST SENT STORIES ON ESPN.COM

Most Sent »