BEREA, Ohio (AP) — Cleveland Browns running back Peyton Hillis is missing his third practice in a row because of lingering sore ribs from a hard hit.
Hillis hasn’t practiced all week as the Browns (5-10) prepare for their regular-season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers (11-4). He was injured last Sunday when he took a shot to the side from Baltimore safety Ed Reed on his second carry.
Browns coach Eric Mangini remains optimistic that Hillis will play on Sunday. He said Hillis has gotten better each day and he will wait until Saturday before making any roster decisions. Mangini said Hillis is still mostly bothered by soreness.
In his first season with the Browns, Hillis has rushed for 1,146 yards and 11 touchdowns.
