Dawson listed as questionable

10.16.2009

Nobody was doubtful, but Browns kicker Phil Dawson was among 7 players listed as questionable on the final injury report before Sunday's game against the Steelers in Pittsburgh.

Linebackers Eric Barton and D'Qwell Jackson, defensive linemen Kenyon Coleman and Robaire Smith, tight end Steve Heiden and offensive lineman Rex Hadnot were also listed as questionable for Sunday.

Ten players were listed as probable with full participation in practice Friday and none were marked doubtful.

Click here for the full injury report.

Dawson has missed 3 consecutive games. Prior to this year, the fewest amount of games Dawson played in a season was 13 with the Browns in 2003.

"I really think we have to go through the rest of the weekend, right up to the game to make sure that we're ready to go," said Browns head coach Eric Mangini. "He's another week further along. I think we've made some progress there and Phil's worked at it.

"He's doing everything he can to get back out," Mangini added. "We just want to wait till we get closer to make sure. That's a really important decision."

If Dawson is unable to kick, the Browns will go with Billy Cundiff for the fourth straight game. Cundiff is 5-for-5 in field goals and 2-for-2 on extra points since being signed by the Browns on September 26th.

Cundiff kicked an 18-yard field goal with 23 seconds remaining in the Browns' 6-3 win over Buffalo.

If Cundiff does get the call to play Sunday, it will be his first game in Heinz Field. Heinz Field has an open-ended side to it and does not make it easy for kickers to hit long attempts.

"Billy's kicked on a lot of different fields too," said Mangini. "It wouldn't be his first time playing in difficult weather."

Browns defensive lineman Shaun Rogers missed Wednesday and Thursday's practices due to non-injury related matters. He came back to the team meetings Thursday and was able to participate fully in practice Friday.

"He's very intelligent and obviously he's great enough," said Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. "He'd never miss this game for the world."