Browns’ Hardesty tests injured leg

Associated Press

BEREA

At least one of Cleveland’s injured running backs is up and running.

Montario Hardesty tested his injured calf with a supervised outdoor workout Wednesday as his teammates practiced inside. Hardesty, who has missed Cleveland’s past two games after tearing a muscle in his right calf on Oct. 30 against San Francisco, hopes he can play Sunday when the Browns host Jacksonville.

“I want to play, but right now we’re still working to get there,” he said. “So we’re just gonna keep on progressing. I’ve been running, just keep on progressing and see how I feel.”

Hardesty’s injury was a double blow to the Browns because they were already without starter Peyton HiIllis, who will miss his fifth straight game this week with a hamstring injury.

Hillis limped into the locker room with an electrical stimulation machine attached to his leg. He was not available for comment.

While the Browns began installing their game plan for the Jaguars with a practice in their fieldhouse, Hardesty, who missed last season after undergoing knee surgery, went outside with a trainer. He ran some sprints and did agility drills.

“I was getting close to full speed,” he said. “I was just working on going through taking the steps, doing my change of direction, just getting back used to doing football stuff.”

Hardesty later rejoined his teammates but stood to the side and watched. Hardesty is being cautious so he doesn’t re-injure his calf. Hillis was close to returning before aggravating his injury in practice two weeks ago.

“I want to play, but I’m not gonna come back ‘til I’m good and ready to play,” said Hardesty, who has rushed for 244 yards.