"Some Browns players wonder if running back Peyton Hillis sat out last week's game against the Dolphins because of his contract negotiations, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Hillis came down with strep throat and a high fever on Friday and was sent home that day. He stayed in the team hotel Saturday night, and the Browns were proceeding as though he were going to play.

But when he woke up the next morning, he was still very ill, had lost 10-12 pounds and told the staff at the Stadium he couldn't play. Hillis chatted with coach Pat Shurmur, who sent him home at about 10:30 to rest."