Browns' Mohamed Massaquoi Sent Home From Practice Due To Concussion

The big injury news on Monday for the Cleveland Browns was the fact that both Peyton Hillis and Montario Hardesty were ruled out for next week's game against the St. Louis Rams on Sunday. Slightly overlooked was the fact that Mohamed Massaquoi was sent home from the Browns headquarters with lingering concussion symptoms. Head coach Pat Shurmur told reporters that he takes concussions very seriously, and it's not likely Massaquoi would have even been given a chance to do anything on Monday.

Massquoi suffered a concussion against the Seattle Seahawks two weeks ago and was repeatedly sent home from practice leading up to the game against the 49ers. He ended up missing the game, but was cleared to play this past Sunday against the Houston Texans. However, Massaquoi left the game in the third quarter with lingering symptoms, and the reports were that he was "woozy" after some contact. He finished the game without a reception, and the Browns will surely evaluate him multiple times before clearing him to play again.

VIDEO: Cleveland Browns Fan Has Something To Say After Loss To Texans

Browns Vs. Texans Final Score: Houston Runs Over Cleveland, 30-12

The Cleveland Browns continued to sputter to the midway point of the season with little offensive production, losing to the Houston Texans, 30-12.

The Texans took control of the game early, scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter sandwiched around one offensive play by the Browns, a fumble by running back Chris Ogbonnaya. Houston was never threatened again, using a strong ground game to pound the Browns.

The Texans rushed for 261 yards on the day as running backs Arian Foster and Ben Tate took turns gaining big chunks of yards. Foster finished the game with 124 yards and a touchdown while Tate needed just 15 carries to amass 115 yards of his own along with another touchdown.

Josh Cribbs provided the rare highlights for Cleveland including a sensational kickoff return into Houston territory in the first quarter. Colt McCoy and the offense wasn't able to do much with the field position though, having to eventually settle for a Phil Dawson field goal. Cribbs also scored Cleveland's only touchdown, hauling in a short pass from McCoy late in the game.

The loss dropped the Browns to 3-5 on the season as they have now dropped four of their last five games. The Browns desperately need Peyton Hillis back to help the running game and provide a little balance for the offense. Without Hillis today, Ogbonnaya and Thomas Clayton could only muster 38 yards between them on the ground.

Browns Vs. Texans Score: Colt McCoy Hits Josh Cribbs On 2-Yard Touchdown Pass

Josh Cribbs is the only weapon the Cleveland Browns have. A 65-yard kickoff return set up the Browns’ first field goal of the game, and his 5 receptions for 50 yards lead the team. Cribbs also has the only touchdown for the Browns, a 2-yard pass from Colt McCoy to cut the Houston Texans lead to 30-12 late in the fourth quarter.

The Browns went for two after the score but failed.

Cribbs has wanted more touches and the Browns have obliged today. It hasn’t helped, however, as the Browns have just 172 total yards – just 146 through the air.

Browns Vs. Texans: Mohamed Massaquoi Gone For The Game With Injury

Mohamed Massaquoi tried to return on Sunday after suffering a concussion two weeks ago. Perhaps it was a bit too soon. Massaquoi has left today’s game against the Houston Texans due to lingering effects of the concussion.

Massaquoi did not record a reception during the game and was only targeted once by quarterback Colt McCoy. The Browns offense has struggled all season, but has just 19 points total that past three games.

Browns Vs. Texans: Two 50-Yard Field Goals By Phil Dawson Account For Browns Scoring

The Cleveland Browns offense is a mess. It might be hitting a new low today in Houston against the Texans. Through 3 quarters against the Texans, the Browns have amassed just 108 yards of offense and the only points on the scoreboard come thanks to kicker Phil Dawson who has two 50-yard field goals.

Colt McCoy has struggled, going 9/16 for 89 yards and the Browns have just 37 yards on the ground. Cleveland has turned the ball over twice and McCoy has been sacked four times.

Josh Cribbs has three catches for 28 yards, and has 94 yards in kickoff returns. Not much else has gone right for Cleveland who is on their way to falling to 3-5 on the season.

Browns Vs. Texans Score: Colt McCoy Interception Leads To Field Goal, 24-3 Houston Lead

The Cleveland Browns are in bog trouble in Texas, trailing the Houston Texans 24-3 at halftime.  Houston took advantage of a late Colt McCoy interception to get in position for a 28-yard field goal on the final play of the first half, the 2nd turnover of the game by the Browns. 

Houston has racked up 222 yards of offense, 132 yards rushing, and Matt Schaub is 10/15 for 90-yards.  Arian Foster has 64 yards on 10 carries while Ben Tate has 66 yards on just four carries for Houston.  The Texans leas time of possession 16:36-13:24.

Colt McCoy has struggled in his homecoming-of-sorts to the state of Texas where he starred in high school and college.  McCoy was just 6-12 in the first half for 54 yards and an interception.  McCoy's longest completion is for 13 yards.  Chris Ogbonnaya leads the rushing attack for the Browns with 20 yards on 10 carries.

D'Qwell Jackson has an interception for the Browns but there have been few bright spots for Cleveland so far.

Browns Vs. Texans Score: Arian Foster Strikes, Texans Lead Browns 21-3

Coming into Sunday's action, the Cleveland Browns led the NFL in not allowing big plays.  That will likely change today.  Ben Tate had already scored from 27-yards out, and now Arian Foster got into the act.  Foster gave the Texans their third rushing touchdown of the day - a 19-yard burst - giving the home team a 21-3 lead midway through the 2nd quarter.

Houston has already racked up 216 total yards of offense, 126 on the ground, and are averaging nearly 10 yards per carry in the first half.  Houston is 5-6 on third down have piled up 10 first downs to just for the Browns.  Cleveland has just 38 yards and Cleveland has shown no signs of being able to move the ball against Houston's defense.

While the Browns rely on Chris Ogbonnaya to carry the load, Houston has Tate and Foster.  Tate 66 yards on just four carries while Foster has 58 yards on 8 carries.  Even Matt Schaub has gotten into the act scoring on a 2-yard touchdown run.

Video: Josh Cribbs' Kick Return Helps Cleveland Get On Scoreboard

The Browns offense hasn't been moving the ball at all, so Josh Cribbs, who hasn't been very happy with his role with the Browns of late, was able to help out. After a Texans' touchdown, he took a kickoff 63 yards into Texans' territory:



The kickoff return came after Matt Schaub scored on a 2 yard touchdown run, giving the Texans a 14-0 lead. (The Texans' first score came on a 27 yard run by running back Ben Tate.)

Of course, the Browns didn't do much with the Cribbs 63 yard return and subsequent personal foul penalty you can see at the end of the above-embedded video. The Browns picked up one first down on their drive and got down to the Texans' 32 yard line, but ultimately had to settle for a field goal. Browns' kicker Phil Dawson's 49 yard field goal made it 14-3 Texans. The Browns have about 38 yards of offense thus far.

Browns Vs. Texans Score: Texans Take Early 7-0 Lead Over Browns

The Cleveland Browns are off to a less-than stellar beginning in Houston against the Texans.  Running back Ben Tate led an impressive first drive for Houston, capping it off with a 27-yard touchdown run, giving the Texans a 7-0 lead in the 1st quarter.

Houston took the opening kickoff and drove 82-yards on 9 plays, including 44 yards  on 5 carries on the ground.  The Browns made things worse for themselves on their first play from scrimmage after the touchdown when running back Chris Ogbonnaya fumbled after a 3-yard gain.  

It continued a streak for the Browns who continue to be the only team in the NFL without a point on their opening drive this season.  The Texans, on the other hand, lead the NFL in 1st Quarter scoring.

Cleveland Browns Injury Report And Inactive List, Week 9: Chris Ogbonnaya Will Start In Place Of Peyton Hillis

As you're very aware of by now, I'm sure, Peyton Hillis is out. Taking his place will be Chris Ogbonnaya, who spent some time with the Houston Texans before joining the Browns. Ogbonnaya is also from Houston, Texas and went to the University of Texas for college.

Here are the other inactives for the Browns, courtesy of their official Twitter: 

 If you're looking for the Houston Texans injury report and list of inactives, look no further, they can be found here.

Houston Texans Injury Report And Inactive List, Week 9: Andre Johnson Not Ready To Play For Texans

The Cleveland Browns will have their hands full on the road today when they play the Houston Texans, but they'll have at least one less weapon to worry about defending. The Texans released their inactive list and as expected, it includes monster wide receiver Andre Johnson.

This will be the fifth straight game coach Gary Kubiak will be without Johnson due to a nagging knee injury. While Johnson has been working out during the week and appears to be close, the knee wasn't ready to go today so he will sit. Quarterback Matt Schaub and running back Arian Foster will have to find away to pick up the slack as the have the past two weeks for the Texans.

The full inactive list for the Texans includes the following names: QB T.J. Yates, CB Brandon Harris, S Daniel Manning, G Thomas Austin, T Andrew Gardner, WR Andre Johnson, TE Garrett Graham

Browns Vs. Texans: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

Peyton Hillis Injury Update: Cleveland Browns RB Out Vs. Texans

After re-injuring his hamstring during the media portion of practice on Friday, it was all but certain that Peyton Hillis would not play tomorrow vs. the Houston Texans. Now it's official, according to the Dayton Daily News, and Hillis could miss multiple games:

Hillis was downgraded from questionable to out on the team's injury report Saturday, one day after the Browns' beleaguered back reinjured his left hamstring on a running play during the early portion of practice open to reporters.

Hillis, who will miss his third straight game with the injury, underwent an MRI. The team has not disclosed results of the test, but when Hillis was dropped off at the training facility following the MRI, his leg was heavily wrapped and he walked with a pronounced limp. It appears the 25-year-old Madden '12 cover boy may miss a few more games.

Without a contract for next year and growing suspicion that his time in Cleveland has run its course, the Browns may put Hillis on the injured reserve if those MRI results suggest he'll need more than a few weeks to recover. 

Houston Texans Injury Report, Week 9: Andre Johnson, Danieal Manning Out Vs. Browns

The Houston Texans released their final injury report of the week on Friday, just a couple of days before they play host to the Cleveland Browns this weekend. Like Peyton Hillis and the Browns, the Texans will also be missing their top player as wide receiver Andre Johnson has been ruled out.

Johnson, like Hillis, is also dealing with a hamstring injury. James Brady put the injury into perspective when coach Gary Kubiak announced the move Friday afternoon.

That's a big blow to the Texans, who rely on a strong offense to get things done. The Browns have had their struggles on both sides of the ball, but their pass defense has consistently been above average this season. In fact, the Browns still have one of the very top defenses in regards to yards allowed through the passing game. Houston still has a lot of weapons in the passing game, but as Johnson is potentially the best receiver in the NFL, it's definitely a blow.

Safety Danieal Manning is the only other player that is certain to not play against the Texans this weekend. All of their other players are probable, meaning there is a 75 percent chance they will play this weekend.

Peyton Hillis Status: Injury Report Says Questionable, But Could Miss Two Weeks

The Peyton Hillis injury saga has been something to watch nearly every week for the Cleveland Browns and, after the team released it's final injury report of the week, it seems that won't be getting any better. The running back is officially listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans, but reports are the injury might be much worse.

Hillis is expected to miss at least a couple of weeks after re-injuring his hamstring Friday, according to Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer. His MRI apparently showed "significant aggravation," causing the downgrade in his status among those close to the team. 

Fellow running back Montario Hardesty was also listed as out on the team's final injury report of the week, leaving Chris Ogbonnaya and Thomas Clayton as the team's only healthy backs. Ogbonnaya is expected to start on Sunday if Hillis is out as reported.

Defensive back Dmitri Patterson and defensive lineman Auston English are the only other players ruled out for this weekend. Along with Hillis, Tony Pashos, Ray Ventrone and Kaluka Maiava are all listed as questionable after being limited in the final practice of the week.

Peyton Hillis' Attitude Hurting Cleveland Browns Locker Room, According To Report

Peyton Hillis and the Cleveland Browns have enough problems with their team the way it is without getting into off the field issues. Unfortunately it seems that's exactly what is happening as Hillis's interest in getting a new contract has spilled into issues with his fellow teammates.

Hillis has seemed distracted while battling injury issues as of late and, according to a report from Yahoo! Sports, his teammates have decided to take matters into their own hands.

By Wednesday, a group of about eight Browns veterans had summoned Hillis into a meeting room for an intervention-style, air-clearing session designed to restore his focus.

[...]

"I've never seen anything like it," says one Browns veteran. "Last year, Peyton was such a positive, inspirational force on our team - but now he's like a different guy. It's like he's in a funk that he can't get out of, and it's killing us, because we really need him. And we've told him that. But we're at the point where we just don't know what to do."

In a surprising turn of events, a couple of the Browns' top players even went on record with their issues to Yahoo! for their report.

"A few guys tried to talk to him, to make him understand the best way to go about things is to put your head down and do the best you possibly can," said All-Pro tackle Joe Thomas, the team's best and highest-paid player. "Because if the Browns aren't going to pay you, some team will break the bank - and either way you need to play hard."

Added linebacker Scott Fujita: "The fact that everyone has to get asked about [Hillis' situation] by the local beat writers every day, it's started to create a distraction, and it's a shame that it has to be that way. I'm never gonna be in a position to question a player's toughness. I just want him to be healthy and in the right frame of mind to help the team. More than anything else, that's what our conversation with him was about."

There's really no telling how this ends, but considering Hillis will be out a few weeks after re-injuring his hamstring in practice this week, the questions about the team's star running back probably won't slow down.

Browns Vs. Texans: WR Andre Johnson Ruled Out By Gary Kubiak

With the recent news that the best player on the Cleveland Browns offense, Peyton Hillis, re-injured his hamstring and probably won't be available for the game on Sunday against the Houston Texans comes news that may ease the pain a little bit for Browns fans. The Texans' star wide receiver, Andre Johnson, is going to be out on Sunday as well, according to head coach Gary Kubiak:

Kubiak: "Andre (Johnson) will be out. He will not play again this week...Obviously he's not ready to go yet."    

That's a big blow to the Texans, who rely on a strong offense to get things done. The Browns have had their struggles on both sides of the ball, but their pass defense has consistently been above average this season. In fact, the Browns still have one of the very top defenses in regards to yards allowed through the passing game. Houston still has a lot of weapons in the passing game, but as Johnson is potentially the best receiver in the NFL, it's definitely a blow.

Peyton Hillis Injury Update: Reporters Doubt Hillis' Eligibility For Sunday Against Texans

After news that running back Peyton Hillis had re-injured his hamstring in practice on Friday, it was immediately speculated that he wouldn't by ready to play on Sunday when the Cleveland Browns take on the Houston Texans. Now we've got some quotes that really bring his status into question. Things aren't looking good for Hillis on Sunday:

Mary Kay Cabot says it looked bad:

#browns rb Peyton hillis looked distraught after re-injuring his hamstring today. It looked bad, folks.    

Hillis was talking about how he was nervous to return to practice and how he just wanted to take things slow leading up to the game. Him looking distraught is a telltale sign that he knows its bad and, presumably, that he won't be able to play on Sunday against the Texans.

Nate Ulrich echoes the sentiments:

Hard to believe #Browns RB Peyton Hillis could play Sunday vs. #Texans after what reporters just witnessed at practice. Didn't look good.    

Not good news at all for Hillis. If he can't go, it will likely be Chris Ogbonnaya getting the start and Thomas Clayton backing him up. Both of them are recent signees, with the latter coming this week.

Peyton Hillis Reinjures Hamstring In Practice Friday

With all signs looking up for Peyton Hillis to play on Sunday after he made it through Thursday’s practice unscathed, it seemed like the Cleveland Browns were finally going to catch a break.

Alas, the Madden Curse strikes again. Via Mary Kay Cabot of the Plain Dealer,

Peyton Hillis re-injured his hamstring on a run, threw the ball, threw his helmet.

Others have confirmed, including Daryl Ruiter and Will Burge. The injury apparently happened during the portion of the practice open to the media on Friday.

As is the case with most leg injuries, hamstring problems are incredibly easy to tweak or reaggrevate, and it is clear that Hillis is frustrated and wants to get on the field. But by trying to go in practice, rather than sitting out, the injury has lingered.

It still isn’t known if this setback will keep the Browns running back out of the game against the Texans, but it certainly doesn’t look good.

Peyton Hillis Injury Update: Hillis Reportedly Re-Injures Hamstring During Practice

Bad news for the Cleveland Browns and, more specifically, Peyton Hillis. After returning to practice with the rest of the team on Thursday, Hillis went out on Friday to do the same thing, but apparently re-injured his hamstring and showed immediate frustration, according to Mary Kay Cabot:

#browns rb Peyton Hillis re-injured his hamstring on a run, threw the ball, threw his helmet.    

That's pretty bad news, at this point. Last week, Peyton Hillis did some running and things of that nature on Wednesday leading up to the game against the 49ers, but on Thursday, he experienced tightness in his hamstring and was eventually ruled out for that week's game.

It's unclear to what extend Hillis has apparently re-injured his hamstring, but one can assume it has tightened up considerably and that he probably won't be ready for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans. There should be an official injury report on the matter later today.

Peyton Hillis Injury Update: Hillis "Ready To Go"

Peyton Hillis is optimistic about Sunday's game with AFC South leading Houston. in fact, he is so optimistic he feels that the 3-4 Cleveland Browns can get back into the AFC North race with the Ravens, Bengals, and Steelers. According to SB Nation's Dawgs By Nature, Hillis is ready to go and he will play on Sunday against the Texans:

RB Peyton Hillis (hamstring) said Thursday he is healthy enough to play right now. "But I'm glad to have a couple more days," he added. Hillis said he was a "little hesitant" to start practice, but eventually got up to speed.

Hillis has only played in four games this season, rushing for 211 yards and two touchdowns after an unexpected 1,000 yard season in 2010. Hillis has not played since rushing for 14 yards on six carries against Oakland on October 16th. Montario Hardesty has seen the most action in his absence.

Houston Texans Injury Report, Week 9: Andre Johnson Still Not Practicing

Houston Texans head coach Gary Kubiak would not rule out his star wide receiver, Andre Johnson, for Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns, but Johnson's availability doesn't look promising through Thursday. 

Kubiak suggested that Johnson was sore after an intense workout earlier in the week, and that's why he has missed two straight days of practice this week, but intense workouts are a little different than football action -- Johnson hasn't played since he was injured over a month ago on October 2. Johnson is expected to practice on Friday, though, and will probably be a game-time decision.

The 5-3 Texans have an extensive injury list, but most of them were full participants on Thursday. Here is their full injury report through Thursday:

Cleveland Browns Injury Report, Week 9: Peyton Hillis Limited In Practice, But Aiming To Play

Peyton Hillis was back on the practice field today, but was limited with his hamstring injury that has kept him out of the past two games. As we noted earlier, the official injury status for Sunday doesn't come out until Friday, but Hillis is prepping himself to be able to play vs. the Texans. For what it's worth, ESPN Fantasy has Hillis listed as 'questionable.'

Here is the rest of the Browns' injury report (with both Wednesday and Thursday's practice participation noted):

Peyton Hillis Says He's On Track To Play Sunday Against Texans

Earlier on Thursday came news that Peyton Hillis practiced with the rest of the team and that he "looked good" doing it. There's still no official status for Hillis (that comes on Friday) in regards to an official injury report for Sunday's game against the Houston Texans, but he spoke to media after practice and said he felt good about his chances to play come gameday, via ESPN:

"I'm on pace to be healthy and play Sunday," he said afterward. "That's what I'm looking forward to and that's what I'm hoping to do."

Hillis also said that if today were Sunday and they were about to play the Texans, he'd be playing. He's likely going to take it slowly though, as he thought he might be close to being ready last week, before his hamstring tightened up and he didn't practice again until this week, missing Sunday's game against the 49ers. Either way, it's good that he's that confident at this point.

Week 9 NFL Picks: Experts Like Texans Over Browns

For more on the Browns, visit SB Nation's Dawgs By Nature