National Football League

Browns nursing key injuries

Published Nov. 16, 2010 1:21 a.m. ET

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An emotional loss for the Browns took a physical toll as well.

Cleveland had three starters get hurt during Sunday's 26-20 overtime defeat to the New York Jets, and learned afterward that starting right offensive guard Billy Yates suffered a biceps injury and will be lost for the remainder of the season.

Browns coach Eric Mangini said linebacker Scott Fujita could be out ''a little while'' after injuring a left knee ligament in the first half against the Jets. Fujita, one of Cleveland's defensive captains and second-leading tackler, got hurt on a pass play in the second quarter.

Fujita, who signed as a free agent with Cleveland in March, walked to the Browns' locker room and did not return. He was replaced by David Bowens.

Mangini confirmed Fujita injured a ligament, but did not provide any specifics and wouldn't guess how long he might be sidelined.

''I don't really know what the time frame is yet,'' Mangini said. ''It's still really early but probably going to be a little while. I'll have a better idea as we go along.''

Fujita calls the defensive formations, and his absence not only changed the rotation at linebacker but didn't allow guys a chance to rest. The Jets controlled the ball in the second half, and Cleveland's defense was on the field for 91 plays.

Bowens will likely start while Fujita is sidelined, and Mangini said the club may have to choose a new captain.

''We might have to go to the captain bullpen and pull somebody out,'' Mangini said. ''Eric Barton did a nice job yesterday, he took over those duties and he's done it before. He's been in front of the huddle and made all of those calls, so he'll probably do it or Chris (Gocong) could do it or Bowens could do it. There are a lot of candidates.''

The Browns also lost wide receiver/kick returner Joshua Cribbs (dislocated toes) and cornerback Sheldon Brown (shoulder) during Sunday's game. Mangini is optimistic both players will be able to practice later this week.

Cribbs got hurt on a 37-yard pass play, and without one of their best playmakers, the Browns' return game and offense were affected. Cribbs not only returns kickoffs and punts, but lines up at quarterback in the wildcat.

''He gets a lot of attention when he's in, so he takes pressure off of other people,'' Mangini said. ''You take him out of the mix and there's a whole range of options they don't have to defend as intensely or as closely.''

Yates, who made three starts this season, will likely be placed on injured reserve, Mangini said. It's assumed rookie Shaun Lauvao will take Yates' spot in the starting lineup.

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