Willis McGahee, Brian Hoyer comments from Rob Chudzinski
Cleveland Browns running back Willis McGahee (26) warms up prior to the game against the Minnesota Vikings at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Cleveland Browns 31-year-old starting running back Willis McGahee is averaging just 2.8 yards per carry so far this season, and the Browns are trying to manage the veteran back’s practice reps. They already rested him yesterday, and McGahee is currently listed probable on the injury report with a “knee injury”as a result of the day of rest. The Browns will need to receive some consistent runs from McGahee this week against the Green Bay Packers, because the Packers did an excellent job of stifling both Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce in last week’s victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski spoke about limiting McGahee’s reps at today’s press conference, “It’s a maintenance plan that we have with Willis as we’re going forward just to keep him fresh and ready to go the whole season.”
He also spoke about the progress that McGahee is making now that he has been with the Cleveland Browns for a few games, “I think he’s improved every week in terms of that, getting a little better feel for the offense. He’s seeing the blocking schemes a little bit better. He’s getting his legs back. I think he’s getting quicker and able to move better. I think the way we’re managing him will help, as well.”
The Browns have a big decision to make this offseason at the quarterback position, because they can choose to draft one of the several intriguing quarterback prospects set to enter the draft this year, or they can stick with Brian Hoyer. The 28-year-old Michigan State product showed up well this season before tearing his ACL, and the Lakewood, Ohio native injected new life into the organization. Below are a couple of quotes from Chud about Hoyer.
“We’re hopeful in the spring that we’ll see him. Again, I’ll get a little better idea [later]. From my understanding, everything went well with the surgery. Just knowing him, from a rehab standpoint, I know he’s going to do everything he can to get ready.”
“He did a great job coming in and gave us a real spark. He played very well. You saw improvement every game that he played, and he was able to make plays for us and really help us in that stretch to get us going.”
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