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Baxter out until season opener |
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Written by JEFF SCHUDEL, Morning Journal Writer
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Sunday, 13 August 2006 |
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 BEREA -- The injury situation has been so bleak for the Browns this summer than now when a player is sidelined for a month or less there is cause to be happy.
Starting right cornerback Gary Baxter vows to be back for the start of the season after straining his left pectoral muscle Thursday night on the first play of the first preseason game. He missed 10 games in 2005 with a torn right pectoral. For now, cornerback is an area of great concern for the coaches and General manager Phil Savage because Daylon McCutcheon is still recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery performed Aug. 1. He also is expected back for the start of the season.
McCutcheon was competing with Leigh Bodden to start at left cornerback. At worst he was projected to be the nickel back. Whether he has that role will depend on how quickly he gets back into playing shape. He and Baxter are expected to miss the final three preseason games.
''Cornerback is a position we're concerned about,'' Savage said. ''Last year Gary tore his pec completely from the bone. He couldn't even lift his arm. This year he has range of motion, so he should be back.
 ''We're working through some of these names we've added -- Daven Holly, Ralph Brown ... It's good to get Antonio Perkins back out there and see what he can do.''
During practice yesterday, Bodden started at left cornerback and Holly on the right side. Perkins, a fourth-round draft choice in 2005, played behind Bodden. Pete Hunter played behind Holly. Jereme Perry is fighting for playing time.
Coach Romeo Crennel is looking for the right combination of starters and a third cornerback to play in five-defensive back formations until Baxter and McCutcheon return.
Crennel said Perkins is ahead of Brown, Holly and Hunter, but only because this is his second season with the Browns. Hunter was signed in December. Holly was signed just before the start of training camp and Brown was signed last week.
''Training camp is about giving guys an opportunity to show what they can do,'' Crennel said. ''That's why we rotate guys and play everyone in the game. We can begin to get a better feel for everybody. When cornerbacks get hurt, the guys behind them have an opportunity to show what they can do.''
Hunter was burned on a 32-yard touchdown pass Thursday night. His mistake might have opened a door for Holly. By the time Holly played Thursday, the Eagles were in control and ran the ball most of the time.
''I can imagine I'm one of many guys who are going to get a chance at that position,'' Holly said yesterday. ''Depending on how things go, I could be the mainstay but there are other guys they might want to try.''
Holly, 5-10, 192 pounds, was a seventh-round draft choice by the 49ers in 2005. He was among San Francisco's final cuts last September and then claimed by the Bears the next day. He played in three games and finished with seven tackles.
Holly says he is a ''balance player,'' meaning he can be physical but speed is his best asset. He stayed tight on the receivers he covered Saturday.
''I have to show I know what I'm doing and toughness and effort,'' he said. ''If I can show those three things I think I'll be fine. I know what I can and can't do. I don't try to be overly physical. I try to get a jump on a receiver and close on him on a flat route.''
The Browns could end up benefiting from the injuries to Baxter and McCutcheon if some of the other cornerbacks play well. They could end up with more depth than they thought they had. Meanwhile, Savage will keep his ears open and his dialing finger busy.
''You look and identify teams that might have an extra player and see if it matches up with something you might have,'' Savage said.
McGinest excused
Linebacker Willie McGinest was excused from practice yesterday for personal reasons. He was held from the game Thursday because he had elbow surgery in June and was not game-ready, Crennel said.
The two incidents are unrelated. McGinest should be back today or tomorrow, barring something unforeseen, Crennel said.
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