Running back Peyton Hillis was one of 11 Browns who sat out Wednesday, but he expects to play Sunday.
Peyton Hillis will be able to play on Sunday, says Browns coach Eric Mangini. BEREA, Ohio -- Peyton Hillis was among 11 Browns who were idle Wednesday, but coach Eric Mangini said the running back is expected to play Sunday against the Steelers.
"I expect him to practice [Thursday] or one of those days but he'll play," said Mangini.
Hillis aggravated his pulled quad muscle against the Falcons and was limping after the game, but told WKNR AM/850 Tuesday that he will be ready for the game.
Hillis was limited to 28 yards on 10 carries against the Falcons because of the injury, but caught four passes for 49 yards, including a spectacular one-handed 19-yard TD grab.
Said Steelers coach Mike Tomlin of Hillis: "Initially I thought about Jamal Lewis, maybe because they're running similar plays in a similar offense. That's really the only player who's kind of come to mind as I've watched him this week. I'm not one to categorize guys and put guys in a box and say they're like so and so. He's his own unique animal, he's a talented guy and he's doing good business for 'em."
With the trade of Jerome Harrison to the Eagles for running back Mike Bell, it could mean some playing time for James Davis, who was inactive (coaches' decision) against the Falcons. Davis has been slowed by a thigh injury, but wasn't on the injury report last week.
"I was ready to play last week," he said. "I'll approach it the same way this week. I'm always disappointed when I'm not playing, but it's up to the coaches if they feel they want to activate me or not."
The other 10 players who sat out were Kenyon Coleman (knee), Jake Delhomme (ankle), Alex Mack (shoulder), Shaun Rogers (elbow), Robert Royal (shoulder), Robaire Smith (back), Nick Sorensen (calf), John St. Clair (ankle), Seneca Wallace (ankle) and Floyd Womack (knee). Three others were limited: Josh Cribbs (ankle), Abe Elam (knee) and Joe Thomas (shin).
"There are a lot of guys on that list," said Mangini. "I'd say most of the guys I'm optimistic on. With Jake and Seneca, we'll have to see at the end of the week."
Asked if the quarterbacks are walking any better, Mangini joked, "They're moon-walking in the meeting, electric slide, we got it all."
Rust? What rust? Mangini rejected the suggestion that Ben Roethlisberger might not be sharp after his four-game suspension.
"I expect him to be really good," Mangini said. "He's had some time off and he's had a bye week to come back and he's a good player. He was a good player as a rookie, he's a good player now and I'm sure he's champing at the bit."
Roethlisberger said on a conference call that he has no idea if he'll be emotional on Sunday.
"A lot of these questions you guys are asking are probably better suited for after because right now it's just the preparation," he said. "Any time you get on the field on Sundays your emotions are completely different than they are during the week. We'll have to see. I'm not really sure."
He said some people will think that playing the Browns will add even more drama, but "for me, it's just getting back on the field and playing football."
More wildcat? Cribbs wore a play sheet on his wrist Wednesday and anticipates playing more out of the wildcat in Pittsburgh to help take the pressure off Colt McCoy.
"Definitely, I believe that," he said. "It's very possible and whenever the opportunity presents itself, I will take full advantage of it."