Cleveland Browns running back Montario Hardesty can't stay on the field, and this time it might cost him a job.
Coach Rob Chudzinski told reporters Wednesday that Hardesty is scheduled to have knee surgery Thursday, per Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer. The procedure, described as a scope, is unrelated to the strained hamstring that plagued Hardesty earlier in training camp.
Hardesty's setback comes just days after he suffered a dislocated thumb while fielding a direct snap during Monday's practice, but Chudzinski told reporters, "He'll make it back."
Hardesty's in a tight spot. Trent Richardson is being talked up as a 300-carry, 60-catch workhorse. And coaches have fallen hard for the versatile Dion Lewis as a change-of-pace option.
Brandon Jackson has been no more durable than Hardesty while in Cleveland, but the current regime chose to re-sign Jackson in May. They inherited Hardesty, who carried the ball 65 times last season and was targeted just five times in the passing game. He's not an ideal third-down back, especially if he can't stay healthy.
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