"Browns coach Pat Shurmur said running back Peyton Hillis will return to practice today from his pulled hamstring "and will start'' in San Francisco if he's healthy enough to play.

"He's our starting halfback,'' said Shurmur.

He said he's confident Hillis will be able to block out the distractions of his tumultuous season and focus on playing his best football. Hillis was replaced last week by Montario Hardesty, who gained 95 yards on 33 carries and caught both passes thrown his way."