Browns center LeCharles Bentley will continue working out in Arizona "with the blessing of the Browns" despite the fact the team's off-season program began Monday in Berea.

"LeCharles will be staying in Arizona and continuing the program he's on out there," said his agent Jonathan Feinsod. "The Browns are fully on board with it."

Browns general manager Phil Savage did not immediately return an email, but coach Romeo Crennel said at the NFL Scouting Combine last month that he expects Bentley to participate in the organized team activities -- or voluntary spring practices -- that begin in May.

"LeCharles is doing phenomenal," said Feinsod. "I went to watch him work out in Arizona and he looks bionic. He'll come back and work with the Browns when he has to."

Bentley, 29, will continue his bid to return from a torn left patella tendon suffered in July of 2006. He also suffered a re-tear of the tendon and staph infection that required three additional surgeries. He attempted to come back last season, but remained on the physically unable to perform list for the entire year while he continued to strengthen the knee.

"Once the Browns see that LeCharles is LeCharles again, they'll be very pleased," said Feinsod. "He's fully committed to playing this season."

In December, the Browns shortened Bentley's contract by three years and gave him the chance to become an unrestricted free agent after this season. He's signed through 2008 at the NFL minimum for centers with his experience of $605,000, but can make up to the $4 million he was originally set to make this year through incentives. Bentley will receive $1 million bonuses after playing eight games, 12 games and 14 games.

The Browns are anticipating Bentley's return, but have also signed guard/centers Lennie Friedman and Rex Hadnot, an unrestricted free agent from the Dolphins who started all 16 games in each of the past three seasons. Hadnot (6-2, 325) started at right guard in 2007 and center in 2006. In 2005, he started 13 games at right guard and three at center. The Browns haven't specified yet exactly where Hadnot will play in 2008.

In other workout news, Kellen Winslow has been rehabbing at the Browns facility after undergoing a scope on his right knee last month.