The running back spot is still a question for the Browns as they prepare for their final preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field and begin to trim the roster down to 53 players for the Sept. 11 opener against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Veteran
“I don’t know what to think in terms of the durability there right now,” Browns coach Pat Shurmur said Sunday. “We’ve got a couple guys, a guy that’s coming back from injury and one that’s banged up right now. We’re keeping our eyes open at a lot of positions to possibly help bolster the roster, but we’ll see how that goes as we finish our fourth preseason game.”
Hardesty did not register a carry in the first two preseason games, but gained 15 yards on five attempts against the Philadelphia Eagles last Thursday.
In limited duty this preseason, Hardesty has shown glimpses of the skills that made Browns general manager Tom Heckert trade back into the second round to draft him in 2010.
“I think we’re starting to see what he is and was in college; I’m hopeful that he’ll get to that level,” Shurmur said. “I think he’s quick; he’s got excellent vision. The holes and the creases aren’t always large, but you’ve got to press it and jump through it. I think he can do that well. He has the instincts to run to daylight. I think he’s a solid guy in terms of his physique where he can be a good pass-protector and then, I think he also catches the ball well. That’s what we expect to see.”
The Browns have two other options at running back in undrafted rookie
Smith is the Browns’ leading rusher in the preseason, having gained 145 yards on 20 carries, while Porter has accounted for 42 yards on 10 runs.
Smith caught the attention of the coaches against Detroit with an 81-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, but two lost fumbles added the Lions’ comeback in the 30-28 Browns loss.
“Ball security is very important,” Shurmur said. “No matter what your skill-set is as a runner, you must secure the football. There were a couple instances where (Smith) didn’t do that. We’ve worked on it. They’re competing. I think they’re doing a good job. As we move forward here, the roster will become obvious when that happens.”
FOLLOWING THE LEAD
Whoever backs up Hillis in the backfield, one thing is for certain: he will be running behind the lead blocks of rookie fullback
“I’m happy with Owen,” Shurmur said. “We had a situation this past week where we were ready to play two fullbacks, but we got good work out of Peyton; we got good work out of Hardesty. I’m happy with his progress. He’s done a good job of catching the football.”
IMPROVING ON PUNTING
Punter
Against the Eagles, McGee averaged 46.0 yards-per-punt. On five punts, he accounted for 230 yards and netted a 43.6 yards-per-punt average once Philadelphia’s returns were calculated.
“I think he had a nice game last week and we’re hopeful that he’ll have a nice game this week,” Shurmur said. “I feel like he’s doing some things that can help this team. He’s a fine holder and he punted the ball much more consistently last week in Philadelphia, better than he did against Detroit.”
McGee would make his first appearance in an NFL regular season game against the Bengals in two weeks. He has only played in preseason games with the Browns, Bears and Eagles during his career.
“I really do believe the players on our roster are pros and if we put him out there, we expect that he’s going to do a good job; I'm not worried,” said Shurmur. “What happens is, you watch a guy perform and he does well, you feel good. If he doesn’t do well, you grit your teeth and coach him up. In the case of the punter, I’m looking for him to have a good game this week.”
Click the “LIKE” button at the top of this page to share this article on Facebook or click here to LIKE our Facebook page, which has exclusive trivia, photos and interactive posts.
