“Those injuries can take a couple of days or they can take however long,’’ Shurmur said. “But it’s a hamstring injury.’’
OK, that much is clear.
Here’s where it gets a tad confusing.
On Sunday, the Browns did not announce Hillis’ injury until late in the third quarter, leading to speculation Shurmur was benching his player. As Hillis stood on the sideline holding his helmet, TV commentators wondered why Hillis wasn’t in the game when the Browns (2-3) were within striking distance and had planned to feature him against the Raiders.
So, coach, was Hillis hurt?
“That’s an easy one,’’ Shurmur said Monday during his news conference. “You can be assured that he had a hamstring injury. That you can be assured.’’
Later, in an attempt to clarify any vagaries surrounding Hillis’ injury, Shurmur unintentionally added new elements of uncertainty.
After Hillis got hurt, Shurmur said he was told by Cleveland’s trainers the bruising back was “only to be used in emergencies.’’ And, Shurmur implied that Hillis, who returned to the game for two plays in the fourth quarter to help with pass protection, did so without permission.
“He just kind of ran back in there,’’ Shurmur said. “We knew that he was injured and he was just as a last resort he had to go in and play.’’
Hillis came back in to replace second-year back Montario Hardesty, who struggled with his blocking and nearly got quarterback Colt McCoy hurt on a blindside blitz.
Shurmur later backtracked on his comments regarding Hillis’ unexpected return, saying he was sent into the game by Cleveland’s coaches.
“We were aware he went back on the field to pass protect,’’ Shurmur said. “He didn’t go out there on his own.’’
Shurmur said he was unaware of the long delay between Hillis getting hurt and it being announced by the Browns’ public relations staff. At one point, reporters were told Hillis was not hurt.
