Tucker, others getting back to health
Zac Jackson, Staff Writer 10.06.2008
The Browns are back to work and closer to being back to health.
Though Romeo Crennel said he wouldn't say his team it's the healthiest it's been all season, it's certainly much closer to full strength than it's been over the last 2-3 weeks after last week's bye and long weekend.
"We should be closer to having our full complement of guys," Crennel said. "Willie (McGinest) and Donte' (Stallworth) were able to practice last week. Having those guys back should help us and we'll see where it takes us."
The Browns returned to practice Monday afternoon and play a week from tonight against the Giants. Stallworth, who's yet to play in a regular season game due to a quad injury, and McGinest, who's missed the last two games with a hamstring issue, could be in the starting lineup.
Another possibility to return is Ryan Tucker, who missed all of the preseason while recovering from hip surgery and has yet to play. He's practiced over the last three weeks, and Tucker said Monday he's ready to play if called upon.
"Every week it gets better," Tucker said."Every week it's feeling more natural, more normal. I'm real close right now. If I'm on the field I'll be full speed. There won't be any excuses, that's for sure."
If that call will come - and where he'll play if it does - remains to be seen. Kevin Shaffer is still recovering from a concussion that kept him out of all activities last week and could keep him out this week as well. Shaffer said Monday morning he took another baseline concussion test but hadn't yet received the results.
When healthy, Tucker was the Browns' starting right tackle from 2002-2006. He started the final eight games of last season at right guard.
"Tuck had another good week of practice during the bye week," Crennel said. "I suspect he'll be in the mix.
"(His position) depends on how it works out. He played well at guard last year but prior to that he'd done a nice job at tackle. If Shaffer can't go then having Ryan will be a big plus for us. Whether it's at tackle or guard I think he'll do a good job for us."
Crennel said Sean Jones might be a week ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation from arthroscopic knee surgery and could return to at least limited work in practice this week.
Crennel said Shaun Smith, who had surgery on his hand last week, would be fitted with a cast so he could play. Shaun Rogers (shoulder) and Kellen Winslow (knee) were also rested last week and should be back this week.
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