Browns notes: Anderson takes field for a bit
Brian Dulik | The Chronicle-Telegram
BEREA — As has become the norm this season, the Browns got some good news and some bad on the health front Tuesday.
First, the good news.
Starting quarterback Derek Anderson returned to the practice field — albeit in a very limited manner — for the first time since suffering a concussion on Aug. 18 against the New York Giants.
“D.A.” threw a number of passes in the bright sunlight before the 90-minute session formally began, prompting coach Romeo Crennel to say he expected him to be a full-go next week. Cleveland hosts the Chicago Bears in its preseason finale Thursday, then begins the regular season Sept. 7 against the Dallas Cowboys.
“It was nice to have Derek out for a little bit and back around the team,” Crennel said. “Hopefully on Monday, we’ll have everyone inside (rehabilitating) back on the field, and we’ll begin preparations for the Dallas game.”
According to the coach, “everyone inside” covers running back Jamal Lewis (hamstring), wide receiver Braylon Edwards (foot), linebacker Willie McGinest (groin), and safeties Brodney Pool (concussion) and Sean Jones (knee).
It does not, however, include wide receiver Joe Jurevicius, who was placed on the physically-unable-to-perform list as he continues to work his way back from multiple knee surgeries and a subsequent staph infection.
By going on the PUP, the Lake County native is not permitted to practice with the team or be activated until Oct. 14. At that time, the Browns will have three weeks to determine whether Jurevicius is healthy enough to move onto the active roster or declare him out for the year.
“Joe feels good about being able to rehab and come around, so we’ll see how it turns out,” Crennel said. “But if we didn’t think he could play, he wouldn’t be on the PUP.”
More bad news broke at Jurevicius’ position, as free agent Kevin Kasper was placed on injured reserve, officially ending his star-crossed summer. Hamstring problems limited his participation throughout camp, but it was a concussion Saturday against the Lions that forced him onto the IR.
With Jurevicius and Kasper out of contention for the season-opening roster and Joshua Cribbs sidelined for up to a month with a high ankle sprain, the battle for the third and fourth receiver spots is down to a handful of inexperienced players.
Syndric Steptoe, Travis Wilson and Steve Sanders are listed atop the team’s official depth chart, but Efrem Hill, Lance Leggett and Paul Hubbard still have the opportunity to win a job.
Wilson, in particular, should be concerned about his future after Crennel singled him out as being “on the bubble” after practice. The 2006 third-round draft choice has one reception in two seasons with the Browns.
“That spot is up for grabs and we all know who the candidates are,” the coach said.
Roster shuffle
Defensive back Damon Jenkins, defensive lineman Brian Schaefering and running back Austin Scott were released, allowing the Browns to reduce their active roster to 75 players by the 4 p.m. league deadline.
They must be at the regular-season limit of 53 by Saturday afternoon.
“There aren’t too many guys on the bubble,” Crennel said. “There are some at wide receiver and defensive back, but the rest of the positions are somewhat set.”
* A decision must be made soon on tackle Ryan Tucker, who underwent hip surgery following minicamp, but is still rehabbing. The team remains optimistic that he will be play against Dallas, but it may be a longshot with the game just 11 days away.
“This week is critical for him,” Crennel admitted. “If he can handle the increased load, he’ll be ready to go.”
* Linebacker Beau Bell and tight end Martin Rucker also will have their fate decided by the coaching staff this weekend.
Both rookies had knee surgery during the preseason, making the timetable for their recovery critical to avoiding a season-ending trip to the IR.
“If the trainer says they’ll be out eight (more) weeks, then they might not be on the roster,” Crennel said.
Fit to be tyed
Free agent cornerback Ty Law continues to tell reporters that he has spoken with the Browns about joining the team.
The 34-year-old spent the past two seasons in Kansas City, but is best known for playing with the New England Patriots from
1995-2004. Crennel served as New England’s defensive coordinator from 2001-2004.
“We’re serious about everyone we consider, and Ty is one to consider,” Crennel said. “Only time will tell. Say we lose five DBs in this next game, then the situation changes.”
Law’s 52 career interceptions are tied for 23rd in NFL history.
Brownie bits
Brady Quinn is expected to play the first half against Chicago before giving way to third string quarterback Ken Dorsey.
* The Browns, Bears and Patriots are the only teams without a preseason win. New England’s final exhibition game is Thursday against the Super Bowl champion Giants.
* Three former Cleveland players came up big last week for their new clubs. Wide receivers Lance Moore (New Orleans) and C.J. Jones (New England) had game-high receiving totals, while quarterback Luke McCown (Tampa Bay) was the top rusher in the Jaguars/Buccaneers game.
* The Browns and Bears have played each year in the preseason since 2004. Cleveland leads the all-time series 19-9.
Quote of the day
“Joshua Cribbs is the best return man around and you can’t replace him, but I feel I’ve done a good enough job filling in.” — Wide receiver Syndric Steptoe, who leads the Browns in punt return and kickoff return yardage in the preseason.
Brian Dulik may be reached at (330) 721-4059 or brisports@hotmail.com.
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Filed by Brian Dulik | The Chronicle-Telegram August 27th, 2008 in Sports. Popularity: 3% |
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