Heading into the final preseason game, the Browns are not sure who's their feature running back or the final makeup of the position.
Idled with a knee bruise for all of training camp, Montario Hardesty will finally get a chance to confirm the praise he has received from teammates and coaches when he takes the field Thursday in the Browns' final preseason game against Chicago.BEREA, Ohio -- Montario Hardesty's preseason debut Thursday night against the Chicago Bears will be watched closely by fans, coaches, the GM, the club president -- and teammates.
Everybody wants to know what the Browns' rookie running back from Tennessee brings to the table.
"Most definitely. I would love to see that. If he shows up, I'm happy," said Chris Jennings.
"I've seen him at minicamp and OTAs and he definitely can explode at the hole, I'll tell you that," said James Davis.
"I'm a fan of Montario," said Jerome Harrison. "He was good in college. We trained a little bit in off-season. He's a great athlete, great young man and I'm excited for him to be back out here."
"Waiting to see him produce, it's kind of like Christmas. You can't wait for it, but you know it's coming," said Peyton Hillis.
If Hardesty had been healthy from the beginning of his first Browns training camp, the running back position might have more clarity than it does now. His late arrival on the field -- due to a bone bruise to his right knee suffered a week before the start of camp -- has muddied the picture.
Jerome Harrison continues to be the most likely starter when the regular season gets going for the Browns, but he has struggled with fumbles during the exhibition games.Not that anyone is complaining. The Browns' depth at the position this summer is such that two backs who look much improved from last year -- Davis and Jennings -- are on the roster bubble heading into the final practice game.
"I think those are going to be some tough decisions," said coach Eric Mangini.
"We have a ton of good backs in our room. Any given day it can be any given person [carrying the ball]," Harrison said.
In addition to the final makeup of the position, what remains unclear is who will get the bulk of the carries when the games count. Harrison was unstoppable the last three games of last season, but there is no clue at this point whether he or anyone else will be classified as the team's feature back.
"I'm happy about the potential of that group," Mangini said. "In terms of where it shakes out, terms of number of carries, that's going to be game to game. What I do like about the group, though, is I don't think any one of those guys is going to sit back and go, 'I should have the ball more.'"
Peyton Hillis has emerged as a focal point to the Browns' inside power game during the three preseason contests.Here's a rundown of the five backs vying for playing time:
Montario Hardesty
Pros: Impressed coaches with quick grasp of offense in off-season program ... has the size and strength to break tackles inside and the quickness to get around the corner ... does not hurt you in the passing game, either in blitz pickup or as a receiver.
Cons: Durability is an issue ... started only 19 of 49 games at Tennessee ... will have only one game of work heading into the season.
Quote: "We have definite talent in our backfield. That's great. That makes everyone better. I'm anxious to get out there and show what I can do."
Jerome Harrison
Pros: Rushed for 561 yards in the last three games of 2009 ... shouldered the offensive load by carrying 34 times, 39 and 33 in that stretch ... very good receiver ... co-led team last year with 34 receptions ... much improved in blitz pickup.
Cons: Has put the ball on the ground three times in three preseason games, with one lost fumble ... smaller size raises inherent questions about durability over the long haul.
Quote: "You can't worry about [playing time]. Just line up and play football. All those decisions are not up to me."
Peyton Hillis
Pros: Took advantage of opportunities in preseason and leads team in rushing yards ... relentless with the ball and difficult to bring down ... has show dependable hands in the passing game with team-leading nine catches ... brings an infectious energy to the field.
James Davis has shown the flash that made him a favorite in 2009 before injury ended his rookie season.Cons: Not the fastest guy out there ... has shown some durability issues this summer, but has not missed a game.
Quote: "I don't think [competition's] a bad thing. When you have a lot of depth and the coach has trouble putting all the guys in there, that means you have a lot of guys that can play. All of us at running back are team players and want the best for each other."
James Davis
Pros: Possibly the quickest and fastest in the group ... super-productive in 2009 preseason ... looks more mature physically and as a player this year ... can make a big play out of a short swing pass.
Cons: Durability is questionable, though he's stayed on the field this summer ... looking to carve out a role on special teams ... not a guy who's going to sell out on special teams by running down on kicks.
Chris Jennings is the only undrafted member of the backfield, which may not help his bid to stick on the roster.Quote: "I think this game right here is the one that's going to mean a lot. Right now, I'm probably starting on all special teams. From what I can tell, that's probably gonna be a big part of making the team. They pretty much know what I can do on offense."
Chris Jennings
Pros: Fairly impressive in limited duty last year ... scored the first TD by a back last season and surprised the Steelers for 73 yards in that Browns win ... has a physical style.
Cons: Hasn't gotten a lot of rushing opportunities this summer ... wasn't drafted and that stigma stays with a player on the bubble ... Browns don't have a lot invested in him.
Quote: "The last game really speaks volumes for a lot of players. Oh, man, just [have to be] me. Have fun, fly around, play special teams, make plays and wherever the chips fall. God knows my beginning and my ending."