Cleveland, OH

With a banged-up running back corps struggling, Chris Ogbonnaya continues to step up in his back-up role for the Cleveland Browns.

Ogbonnaya, signed by the Browns off the Texans' practice squad on Oct. 17, 2011, rushed for 90 yards on 19 carries in Sunday's heartbreaking 13-12 loss to the St. Louis Rams.

The 25-year-old Ogbonnaya, who like Browns head coach Pat Shurmur has Rams roots, helped give Cleveland a 12-10 advantage in the third period.

In the action, quarterback Colt McCoy orchestrated an eight-play, 68-yard drive, with Ogbonnaya sprinting for 32 yards and Benjamin Watson making a 22-yard catch to put the ball at the nine of the Rams.

With the Browns sputtering offense still unable to find the end zone, Cleveland engaged the Rams in a field goal battle only to be edged by lowly St. Louis, which entered the tilt at 1-7 on the season.

A seventh-round draft pick of the Rams in 2009, Ogbonnaya started in place of the injured Peyton Hillis (hamstring) and Montario Hardesty (calf).

In last week's loss to Houston, fill-ins Ogbonnaya and Thomas Clayton combined for just 38 yards on 18 carries.

Ogbonnaya spent one season in St. Louis. He made his debut in a Browns uniform on Oct. 23 against Seattle, and had three rushing attempts for 15 yards.

He also had five receptions for 43 yards in that win over the Seahawks.

The former University of Texas standout Ogbonnaya was signed by the Rams to a four-year deal on July 2009, and was promoted to the active roster that November.

He also played for the Houston Texans (2010-2011).

Meanwhile, coach Shurmur ruled out the still-ailing Hillis and safety T.J. Ward (foot) for Sunday's clash with the Jaguars.

Shurmur said Ward will undergo another X-ray on the affected foot, Cleveland.com reported.

Also, Shurmur indicated that receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, who has been dealing with post-concussion symptoms, is feeling better, and has been asymptomatic for a few days.

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