Browns RB Brandon Jackson had a solid preseason, averaging 5.1 yards a carry in the final two games. But he hasn't gotten a chance to show what he can do in the regular season. (US Presswire)

Two months ago, one could hardly have imagined that Browns running back Brandon Jackson would be a permanent fixture on the inactive list. He thoroughly outplayed Montario Hardesty in the preseason while competing to be Trent Richardson's backup.

Count Jackson among those who are surprised that he's been a healthy scratch in every game but one since the opener and has yet to carry the ball.

"I couldn't have imagined it," he said. "I don't know the circumstances behind it. I don't know what's going on. I'm a team player. I'm just going to perfect my craft."

Jackson signed as an unrestricted free agent before the 2011 season but landed on injured reserve with turf toe. The arrival of Richardson precluded any opportunity to compete for a starting spot this year. He earned the backup spot on the depth chart following an impressive preseason in which he averaged 5.1 yards per carry in the last two games. But he was quickly pushed out in favor of Hardesty, who has replaced Richardson when the rookie lost time to a rib injury. Chris Ogbonnaya has also played ahead of Jackson as a third-down pass-catcher.

Jackson, a 27-year-old veteran who showed promise as the starter in Green Bay in 2010 with 703 yards rushing and 43 receptions, doesn't understand it. He added that he has received no explanation from coaches.

"You'd think they would have come to me and talked to me about it," Jackson said. "I felt good in camp. To not be playing at all -- I couldn't have imagined it."

One theory is that the Browns feel Ogbonnaya is a better receiver, Hardesty a more effective runner and that Jackson doesn't fit a specific need when Richardson isn't on the field. Jackson isn't buying it.

"I feel I can run the ball if they need me to, catch the ball if they need me to and protect if they need me to," he said.

Big dudes, big battle: The spotlight matchup Sunday will pit Ravens defensive end Terrell Suggs against Browns left tackle Joe Thomas. Both are perennial Pro Bowlers.

Thomas called Suggs the "best player in the NFL last year on defense." Suggs returned two weeks ago from an Achilles injury that was considered season-ending. Thomas expressed no surprise that Suggs returned before the halfway mark.

While most defensive ends are stronger against the run or pass and fall into the category of speed rusher or power rusher, Suggs is skilled in one and all.

"That's why he's great, because he's not one-dimensional," Thomas said. "He's big, strong and fast. He does everything you want from an outside linebacker/defensive end. It's incredible [he returned so quickly]. It speaks to his work ethic and dedication in rehabbing. He's a beast. That's all you can say about him."

Thomas added that he enjoys competing against Suggs, whom he described as "talkative" and a "funny guy" on the field. "We have a pretty good relationship," he said.

Bits and pieces: It seems unlikely that defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin (calf) will play Sunday. He has missed every practice this week. ... The Browns are 15-48 against AFC North competition since 2002. ... DE Juqua Parker (knee) has been added to the injury report. He was limited in practice on Thursday. ... Much of the responsibility for covering Ravens WR Anquan Boldin will fall on emerging CB Buster Skrine, who handles slot receivers in the nickel. In the first meeting, Boldin burned the Browns for 131 yards on nine catches in the second half alone. ... Defensive coordinator Dick Jauron praised FS Usama Young, who has played well since wresting the job from Eric Hagg.

Stay dialed in on the Cleveland Browns on Twitter at @CBSBrowns throughout the season with on-site updates from CBSSports.com RapidReports correspondent Marty Gitlin.