Montario Hardesty (hamstring) has resumed practicing at Browns camp. Hardesty only missed a few practices, but it's a reminder of his complete lack of durability dating back to Tennessee. He's not assured of a 53-man spot.

Montario Hardesty is missing time with a hamstring injury at Browns camp, and "now runs the risk of being cut." Dion Lewis has capitalized on his opportunity to run with the second-team offense, and the Browns can keep Chris Ogbonnaya as a No. 3 back. The Browns' new front office and coaches have no ties to Hardesty, who's been an injury-plagued disappointment through three NFL seasons. He's very much on the bubble.

ESPN Cleveland considers Montario Hardesty's roster spot in danger. This one's a bit out there, as Hardesty ran with the first team during Trent Richardson's absence during OTAs, drawing praise from coach Rob Chudzinski. He's averaged just 3.5 yards on his 153 career carries, however, and has been a liability as a pass catcher. Aware of that fact, Hardesty has been working on his hands. The Browns also have Brandon Jackson, Dion Lewis, Miguel Maysonet and Chris Ogbonnaya competing for roster spots behind Richardson. We still consider Hardesty the favorite for handcuff duties.

Browns coach Rob Chudzinski was impressed by Montario Hardesty at OTAs. With Trent Richardson sidelined, Hardesty handled the vast majority of first-team tailback reps. "He has the natural instincts and he is a slasher who has good vision," said Chud. "The thing I've really seen and been most impressed with is him catching the ball. I don't think he dropped a pass out here." Hardesty will be worth a handcuff pick for T-Rich owners in deeper leagues.

Montario Hardesty is getting the first-team reps at OTAs. Trent Richardson is nursing a shin injury and may not even be ready for camp. Considering T-Rich's injury history, Hardesty is shaping up as a must-own handcuff. He averaged 4.16 YPC and scored one touchdown on 65 carries last season. The Browns have one of the game's best offensive lines.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer says the new coaching staff is "spending a lot of time" evaluating Montario Hardesty. Hardesty is entering the final year of his rookie deal and is set to earn $575,000. The Browns are reportedly looking for a change-of-pace back behind Trent Richardson, and it remains to be seen if Hardesty can be that guy. Impending free agent Brandon Jackson isn't expected back, and Chris Ogbonnaya is a restricted free agent.

Starting in place of an injured Trent Richardson, Montario Hardesty rushed 14 times for just 37 yards at Pittsburgh in Week 17. Hardesty showed impressive burst on a 16-yard first quarter scamper but was bottled up by a stout run Steelers front seven the rest of the way. Richardson's change-of-pace back posted 303 yards on 65 carries (4.66 YPC) in the best season of his three-year career. Under contract for $575,000, Hardesty will likely be back in the same role under a new coaching staff.

Montario Hardesty will start at running back on Sunday against the Steelers with Trent Richardson (ankle) ruled out. Hardesty is in line to get a heavy dose of carries with Thad Lewis starting at quarterback in place of Brandon Weeden (shoulder). Brandon Jackson will work in as the change-of-pace back behind Hardesty. For those fantasy leagues that run through Week 17, Hardesty would be a decent pick-up as he's surely to see a full slate of work.

Montario Hardesty rushed three times for 14 yards in Cleveland's Week 16 loss to the Broncos, adding one catch for seven yards.

Montario Hardesty rushed just two times for five yards in the Browns' Week 15 loss to the Redskins. Trent Richardson continues to plod his way through the second half of the season, but the Browns have no intention of lightening the rookie's workload. Hardesty is nothing more than a handcuff heading into next week's game at Denver.