The emergence of Peyton HIllis and the need for a bigger back complement to him were the motivators to trade for Mike Bell, coach said
BEREA: Browns coach Eric Mangini said Jerome Harrison's unhappiness with his role had nothing to do with the trade of the running back to Philadelphia.
"Our decision is not going to be based on that," Mangini said. "This decision and any of these decisions are going to be made on what we think will help us move forward as a team."
Mangini said that Mike Bell, the big back acquired from the Eagles, is a better fit in the downhill run schemes that have been tailored to feature back Peyton Hillis.
"I think as Peyton's role has expanded and the things he's done, the plays we have for him have expanded and Mike Bell's a guy we liked in free agency and really complements and is more a fit for the plays we have for Peyton," Mangini said. "And Jerome was a good fit for them, so it worked out well."
Hillis will miss his second day of practice today. Mangini said he still expects Hillis to be able to play Sunday in Pittsburgh.
Also, Mangini gave a satisfactory report of rookie quarterback Colt McCoy's first practice and he continues to lean toward giving McCoy his first NFL start against the Steelers.
"I'd say the lean is more pronounced today," Mangini said.