Browns RB Hardesty tests calf injury outdoors

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns running back Montario Hardesty tested his injured calf by running outside Wednesday as his teammates practiced. Hardesty has missed Cleveland's past two games after tearing a muscle in his right calf Oct. 30 against San Francisco. Hardesty's injury was a double blow to the Browns because they were already without starter Peyton Hillis, who will miss his fifth straight game this week with a hamstring injury. While the Browns practiced inside their field house Wednesday, Hardesty went outdoors with a trainer.

He ran sprints at half-speed and worked on some agility drills. Hardesty rejoined his teammates but stood to the side as they began installing the game plan for Sunday's matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Coach Pat Shurmur expects Hardesty to practice at some point this week and hopes he can play Sunday. Without Hillis and Hardesty, the Browns have started Chris Ogbonnaya at tailback the past two weeks. Ogbonnaya, who was signed off Houston's practice squad Oct. 18, rushed for 90 yards in Sunday's loss to St. Louis. Shurmur said starting strong safety T.J. Ward had his cast removed to undergo more tests, which revealed a foot sprain. Shurmur believes Ward, who was fitted with a new cast, to return this season. Ward was injured in the Nov. 6 loss at Houston. Wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi practiced after missing two games with symptoms from a concussion sustained Oct. 23. During the portion of practice open to reporters, Massaquoi took part in drills and didn't seem to be limited. Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press