Reuters

Peyton Hillis’ agent Kennard McGuire was presumably trying to cover for his client Wednesday. McGuire — Hillis’ third agent in four months — told the Associated Press that he advised Hillis not to play in Week Three when Hillis sat out with a case of strep throat. McGuire’s admission likely will have the opposite effect.

The agent’s involvement only supports the belief of some Browns teammates that Hillis’ stance was contract related.

If it’s not contract related, why does an agent have to get involved at all? Isn’t it just up to the team doctors and Hillis?

Hillis wasn’t happy with his lack of usage after last week’s game. Tony Grossi of the Cleveland Plain-Dealer believes the drama may only be starting.

Grossi opined on a video segment that he thinks Hillis will request a trade as the “next step” in the process. The contract talk is “not going well” according to Grossi, who says the Browns see Montario Hardesty as a runner with a higher ceiling.

So, yeah, this may get uglier.