The Browns worked on their punt-return game Wednesday, and head coach Romeo Crennel emerged with several unbending truths about what makes a good returner:

He must be able to catch the football.

He must be able to run.

It seems simple, but they are elusive qualities that receiver Dennis Northcutt appears to have mastered, as he's held a steady spot on the punt-return team since joining the Browns in 2000. Northcutt averaged 10.5 yards on 35 returns in 2005.

"He's pretty good at it," Crennel said. "There is a lot of courage involved in that job. That ball is hanging in the air for generally four seconds, and you have guys screaming down the field on top of you. You have to concentrate on the football, make the catch and dodge those guys."

Receiver Josh Cribbs fielded several punts in Wednesday's practice, but didn't reliably master the first two characteristics Crennel looks for: someone who can catch and run.

"I know he has the courage," Crennel said. "You have to be able to catch the ball. If you can't catch the ball, it's not going to do you any good. I'm not going to put you back there. You'll never have much of a chance to display that courage."

Brace yourself, Braylon:

If Braylon Edwards makes his preseason debut Saturday,he'll do so while wearing a knee brace that he is eager to discard.

"I don't have any leeway on that," Edwards said. "All the guys, Romeo [Crennel], [general manager] Phil Savage, [owner] Randy Lerner -- that's their decision. They're protecting me for the last possible second before I get in the fight."

Edwards admitted that the brace restricts his movement, and will remove it once he's given clearance. Crennel said he's noticed improvement in Edwards' game through training camp, while he's worn the brace.

"He's gained more confidence in the knee since the beginning," Crennel said. "That confidence can make you do things better. You are not worried about it buckling, hurting or swelling."

Frye until third:

Though Crennel said Saturday's game against Buffalo will be important for determining several position battles, he'll also be playing the regulars longer as the preseason winds down. Expect quarterback Charlie Frye, for instance, to play until the third quarter instead of making a standard second-quarter preseason exit.

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