Peyton Hillis: Strep Throat Won't Keep Hillis and Browns from Mauling Dolphins

Peyton Hillis has fallen victim to strep throat, but his illness shouldn't play a factor in the Browns' matchup with the Dolphins. The Browns list him as questionable on the injury report, but Pat Shurmur doesn't sound all that concerned with his star running back's illness.

It's an inopportune time for Hillis to get sick. The Browns are at home and taking on a manageable 0-2 Miami team. The offense is at its best when Hillis is, which won't be the case on Sunday.

Even so, Hillis not being at 100 percent shouldn't come into play in this game. If Montario Hardesty has to step in and carry some of the load, it's not going to cripple the Browns.

The Dolphins have been horrific on defense this season, whether it be passing or rushing. The Browns haven't been stellar on offense either, but it's unlikely that they'll take a step backward this week.

Hillis was undoubtedly hoping for a monster game this week. While the illness may keep him from performing at his best and producing huge numbers, the result of this game won't be decided by Hillis.

The Dolphins have been exceptional through the air. Chad Henne is playing surprisingly well and Brandon Marshall is nearly impossible to cover.

The Browns have only allowed 331 yards passing through their first two games. While they've taken on less-than-stellar passing attacks thus far, the Dolphins may have a tougher challenge lying in front of them than they think.

This game could become a defensive struggle. If Henne regresses into the inaccurate turnover machine we all know he can be, it's not going to matter whether Hillis can be the workhorse back the Browns love to have around.

Update: Peyton Hillis has officially been ruled out today, according to a Tweet from Adam Schefter.