Browns coach Pat Shurmur defended his use of Peyton Hillis, saying the bruising back did not get less playing time on Sunday against Tennessee because of his unresolved contract issue or punishment for missing Cleveland’s game last week with strep throat. Shurmur was emphatic that Hillis’ role this season is not being influenced by ongoing negotiations with the Browns on a contract extension. “Absolutely not,†Shurmur said. “That’s a non-issue.†Source: Tom Withers, Yahoo! Sports
