Offensive lineman Ryan Tucker, a starter since joining the Browns in 2002, underwent surgery Friday at the Cleveland Clinic to repair a non-displaced hip fracture.

Tucker is expected to be ready for the Sept. 7 season opener at home against the Dallas Cowboys, according to a statement that the Browns released Saturday.

The 11-year veteran limped off the field Wednesday during the second day of the Browns' organized team activities with what coach Romeo Crennel called ''a little uncomfortableness in the hip area.''

Crennel said the doctor would be at the Browns' facility that night. Head team physician Anthony Miniaci performed the surgery.

Last year Tucker found a new home at right guard, starting the final eight games there after Seth McKinney underwent season-ending shoulder surgery.

Tucker felt rejuvenated by the switch from right tackle, where he had spent the majority of his career, including his previous five seasons with the Browns. After serving a four-game suspension, Tucker rotated with Kevin Shaffer at right tackle until McKinney's injury.

Tucker's move was one of a number of upgrades that strengthened the line. With its third overall pick, the Browns drafted left tackle Joe Thomas, who went to the Pro Bowl, and signed left guard Eric Steinbach, a former Cincinnati Bengal, in free agency.

Tucker's spot will likely be filled by Rex Hadnot, an unrestricted free agent signed to a two-year contract March 10. Spending the previous four years with the Miami Dolphins, Hadnot, a sixth-round pick in 2004, played in 63 games and started 55, including 34 at right guard (16 in 2007).

The Browns also re-signed six-year veteran McKinney to a one-year deal on March 28. It could see center LeCharles Bentley move to guard if he can come back from a torn left patellar tendon and a staph infection that cost him the past two seasons. Bentley might participate in the Browns' veteran minicamp June 10-12.