Hillis Sits Out Wednesday's Practice With Sore Ribs; Browns Pro Bowl News

This shouldn't come as much of a surprise, but running back Peyton Hillis sat out Wednesday's practice with sore ribs after taking a shot in the back from safety Ed Reed at the beginning of last week's game. Hillis is still expected to start in this week's finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers. I wonder if the Browns will sign a third running back to the roster in the next couple of days.

In other injury-related news, offensive guard Floyd Womack also missed practice with a knee injury.

Regarding the Pro Bowl, many of you have already heard that the only player representing the Browns this season is left tackle Joe Thomas, who is going for the fourth consecutive season. If I had to pick a player who played like a Pro Bowler on the Browns but didn't make it, that would be punter Reggie Hodges.

Several Browns players were named as alternates, but none of them were "first alternates." That means that unless two or more players can't play at a position, no other Brown will be involved in the festivities.

Second Alternates: RB Peyton Hillis, OG Eric Steinbach, C Alex Mack.
Third Alternates: KR Joshua Cribbs, ST Ray Ventrone, FB Lawrence Vickers.
Fourth Alternates: CB Joe Haden.