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Situation looking better for Green |
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Written by Bob Finnan, Morning Journal Writer
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Friday, 01 September 2006 |
 CLEVELAND -- It was easy to draw conclusions from last night's inactive list. Browns running back William Green was inactive, which might mean he's wrapped up a roster spot. Lee Suggs, already traded once by the Browns this preseason only to be returned by the New York Jets, appears to be on his way out of town. Despite being on the active roster for last night's game, he didn't carry the ball against the Bears. That was hardly a surprise. The Browns probably didn't want the injury-prone back to get banged up in the preseason for the second consecutive year.
The 6-foot, 213-pound Suggs certainly runs faster than Green and might have more tools, but that might not help his plight to make the final roster. The cut-down date is tomorrow, and many expect him to be elsewhere.
Green, a 6-foot, 217-pounder, has more durability and most observers think he'll make the team. If something would happen to starter Reuben Droughns, the Browns feel relatively comfortable with Green stepping in and filling his shoes.
Another factor is teams are unwilling to trade for him since he's had some drug problems in the past. One more strike against Green would mean he'd be suspended for the entire season by the NFL. Opposing teams probably don't want to risk trading for him.
Jason Wright was the first running back off the bench behind Droughns last night. But he could be fighting an uphill battle to make the team.
Jerome Harrison, the team's fifth-round pick out of Washington State, is also a lock to make the team. In fact, he could be earmarked for stardom as a third-down back.
The Browns are expected to keep three running backs and two fullbacks on the final roster.
Veteran fullback Terrelle Smith, Corey McIntyre and Lawrence Vickers could be fighting for just two spots. Smith, the returning starter, may not be a lock to make the roster.
Tucker returns
As expected, Ryan Tucker returned to the starting lineup at right tackle. He returned to practice this week on a limited basis. Tucker and cornerback Daylon McCutcheon both had arthroscopic knee surgery on Aug. 1.
Tucker replaced Kirk Chambers, who had started the previous three games.
Cribbs emerging
It would be a monumental upset if Kent State's Josh Cribbs didn't make the team. He's not only a backup wide receiver, but he's a standout special teams player. He's also getting more reps as the Browns' punt returner.
There could be a move under foot for Cribbs to replace Dennis Northcutt as the team's punt returner. Northcutt, a free agent after this season, will be the Browns' slot receiver when Braylon Edwards is completely healthy.
Injury bug
Daven Holley started at left cornerback in place of starter Leigh Bodden. Bodden, who has emerged as arguably the Browns' top cornerback, was inactive.
Holley didn't make the best of the opportunity. He sprained his right knee in the first half and didn't return.
''We have a young defensive back who we are evaluating,'' Browns coach Romeo Crennel said. ''We'll see what his situation looks like.''
Defensive backfield watches
Bodden was one of four cornerbacks on the inactive list. Expected starter Gary Baxter (pectoral), McCutcheon (knee) and Antonio Perkins were also held out of the final preseason game.
It might be an omen of things to come for Perkins, who isn't expected to make the final roster.
Also, starting free safety Brian Russell was inactive and replaced in the starting lineup by Sean Jones. Brodney Pool made the start at strong safety. Pool and Jones are in contention for the starting job at strong safety.
Both Baxter and McCutcheon hope to be ready for the regular-season opener Sept. 10 against New Orleans.
McCutcheon missed most of 2005 preseason with headaches. Yet, he was in the starting lineup in the season opener. He is expected to be the nickel back for the Browns this season. He is one of two players still with the team since it returned in 1999 (along with place-kicker Phil Dawson).
Others inactive were linebackers Clifton Smith (hamstring) and Mason Unck (knee) and guard Isaac Sowells (ankle).
Sowells, a fourth-round pick from Indiana, might be headed to injured reserve.
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©The Morning Journal 2006 |
