Receiver, recovering from knee surgery, might go against Bills, but just hopes to be in season opener

BEREA - Braylon Edwards continues to practice regularly, but he insisted Wednesday no decision had been made on whether he will play in Saturday's exhibition game in Buffalo.

``It doesn't matter,'' said Edwards, who is coming back from reconstructive knee surgery. ``I'm pretty much ready to get on the field. So if I go, it's cool; if I don't, it's cool. As long as they have an open mind for Sept. 10, that's all I'm worried about.''

Which is certainly encouraging for the opener against New Orleans.

Coach Romeo Crennel said he had yet to decide whether the wide receiver would play.

``We are going to take a look at him (today) and see if he gets a couple plays or not,'' Crennel said.

Crennel said Edwards has looked good in practice, but if he plays, it won't be for long.

``Even if I'm leaning in a certain direction and decide to play him, I think he'll only be in for a couple of plays or a series to see how he does,'' Crennel said. ``We'll let him take some contact and stuff like that.''

Edwards took part in two practices on Monday, and the afternoon work was physical and spirited.

He has continued to work, though the team is requiring he wear a knee brace.

``I don't have a problem with (the knee),'' Edwards said. ``Like I've said before, they told me I was fine, so I believe I'm fine.''

The team must decide whether it will help Edwards get a series or two at game speed before the regular season. There is some thinking that a taste of game speed will prepare him for the season.

``It doesn't matter to me,'' Edwards said. ``I've been playing football my whole life. To get hit is to get hit.''

Backup shakeup

Crennel said it's possible Derek Anderson could get the second stint at quarterback in Buffalo.

Charlie Frye will play the first half and part of the third quarter, and depending on the situation, Anderson could follow him.

``Depending on how the game goes and how long Charlie is in there might determine who the next guy is to get in,'' Crennel said. ``I would still like to see both (backups).

``We'll see how much time is left and available. Sometimes, it depends on the game situation too. Ken Dorsey got a two-minute situation last week. If I can get Anderson one, that will be good.

``We'll play that by ear.''

Brownies . . .

Cornerbacks Gary Baxter (shoulder) and Daylon McCutcheon (knee) and guard Isaac Sowells (ankle) missed practice.... Today's 2:30 p.m. practice marks the final practice of training camp.... The team will travel to Buffalo on Friday, and practices will then be closed to the public and media.