BEREA -- As feared, center Jeff Faine tore his right biceps muscle and will miss the Browns' final two games. Browns coach Romeo Crennel said Faine may have to undergo surgery.

Faine was replaced by Mike Pucillo, who, according to Crennel, played well, and will start the last two games at center. This will mark the third straight season that Faine, the former No. 1 pick, has finished the season on the injured reserve list. But Crennel said he isn't worried that he has an injury-prone center.

''He's only finished the season on IR once with me,'' said Crennel, ''and this is an injury he can return from.''

Crennel said he was pleased with the way Faine played this season.

''He did a nice job,'' said Crennel. ''Coming into the season, there was some question about his toughness and how he would hold up, but he played 14 games and played quite well. He's a leader on our offensive line, and makes all the calls. I think he's done well.''