The controversy that wasn’t really a controversy to begin with is probably over. Despite any rumblings to the contrary, Peyton Hillis should be the workhorse on Sunday against the Oakland Raiders, according to Browns Head Coach Pat Shurmur.
Theories from trade rumorst to benching Hillis in order to hurt his numbers and decrease his perceived value on the FA market have been running rampant in the time from his sitting the Miami game due to illness, through the Titans loss and beyond past the bye week. But, he is still the Browns starter, and sees a Raiders defense that just gave up over 100 yards combined rushing and receiving to Arian Foster.
If the Browns hope to have any success on Sunday, they will need to control the clock and the ball, as the Cleveland D will be getting a heavy dose of Darren McFadden. Having Alex Mack back after his appendectomy would go a long way toward that, and Shurmur hasn't ruled out Mack playing on Sunday despite not practicing.
Speaking of the defense, Browns DC Dick Jauron announced that Joe Haden is questionable, a nice surprise, to be honest. When Haden’s injury was first announced, it looked like he might miss multiple games. I’m not saying he’s going to play, but if he’s at least trying to give it a go, he’s in better shape than it seemed a week ago. Jauron mentioned that Haden’s loss would be “a big blow,” via Tom Withers of the AP.