Hardesty hurt, Colt strong, Browns win

Associated Press

CLEVELAND

Montario Hardesty can’t seem to outrun his knee problems.

Cleveland’s highly touted rookie running back, whose career at Tennessee was slowed by knee injuries, hurt his left one in the second quarter of Thursday night’s 13-10 win over the Chicago Bears, a potentially major blow to the Browns’ running game.

Fellow rookie Colt McCoy got his first pro start and went a perfect 13 of 13 for 131 yards in two-plus quarters. The former Texas star fumbled his first snap, but finally showed some potential in easily his best performance of an otherwise rough preseason.

Quarterback Todd Collins, recently signed by Chicago to back up Jay Cutler, completed 10 of 15 for 139 yards and a 15-yard TD pass to tight end Greg Olsen for the Bears (0-4).

Phil Dawson kicked a 36-yard field goal — set up when Browns defensive back DeAngelo Smith blocked a punt —— as time expired for the Browns (2-2).

Hardesty made his pro debut after missing training camp with a bone bruise, an injury he sustained in his surgically repaired right knee in a 1-on-1 tackling drill during the week before Cleveland’s veterans reported. He recently returned to practice and the Browns were excited about him finally getting on the field.

Hardesty showed his inside power before getting hurt, scoring on a 1-yard run in the first quarter. He finished with 25 yards on seven carries.

On a routine running play off the left side, Hardesty picked up 2 yards but stayed on the ground after being tackled. He grimaced as trainers worked on his leg before he walked slowly to the sideline, where Cleveland’s medical staff examined him.

He was escorted to the locker room for further tests. Hardesty didn’t limp and was able to put full weight on his left leg as he left the field.

The team provided no details on Hardesty’s injury.

The Browns traded into the second round to draft Hardesty, who gained 1,345 yards last season in the rugged SEC. Cleveland’s front office is high on Hardesty, believing he can step in as a starter or serve as a change-of-pace for Jerome Harrison, who at just 5-foot-9 and 205 pounds has durability questions.

Not wanting to risk injuries with their season openers looming, both teams rested most of their starters. Cutler didn’t play and the Browns sat starting QB Jake Delhomme and backup Seneca Wallace.

“Let’s hope nobody gets hurt,” Browns president Mike Holmgren, his right leg still in a cast from foot surgery, said before the game. He was driven around in his golf cart.

Unfortunately, the Browns may have lost their top running back.

Hardesty’s injury could keep James Davis on the roster. He gained 66 yards on 15 carries and caught five passes for 53 yards before leaving with a leg injury in the fourth period.

McCoy’s preseason has been shaky and it continued on his first play, a bad exchange on Cleveland’s first snap that the Bears recovered at Cleveland’s 19. Three plays later, Collins waited patiently for Olsen to get open behindw Cleveland’s secondary.