Browns head coach Mike Pettine called the loss of wide receiver Miles Austin a blow that hurts more than just on the field. He was the second-leading receiver but also a team leader.
"It's very unfortunate because he really embodies what we're trying to build here in 'playing like a Brown' and guys handling themselves on and off the field and how they interact with the staff and just their level of play A to Z. We couldn't ask for a better guy."
Pettine said Austin is still in Buffalo recovering from a kidney injury but should return to Cleveland on Thursday.
"I think it's being very precautionary," Pettine said. "His wife is there with him. He's bummed (about being on IR), but in good spirits."
Crowell Hurt; RB Added: RB Isaiah Crowell showed up on the injury report with a hip injury and Crowell spent the early part of practice on the stationary bike.
"Either he's limited or out (of practice)," Pettine said. "He's dealing with a (hip) injury and we'll go ahead and assess that as the week goes on. His health will be a part of it. We're hopeful that he will be able to ramp it back up on Sunday and be good to go."
Pettine said that RB Terrance West needs to have a good week and RB Glenn Winston might see some action.
"We're going to challenge Terrance that he needs his best week of practice and we need him to perform at a high level for us.
"We're very curious to see what Glenn Winston is," Pettine said. "He's done a nice job on special teams, but we're looking for him to step up and perhaps, if needed, take on a role."
Pettine said that newly signed RB Shaun Draughn might get into the rotation this week.
"By signing Draughn, he is a guy that is somewhat familiar with the system, but just don't know where he is and see how quickly we can bring him up to speed. We'll make a decision at the end of the week whether we'll have all four of them up or three of the four."
Dansby, Cameron Practice: TE Jordan Cameron (concussion) and LB Karlos Dansby (knee) were back at practice and Pettine is hopeful both could play this week. Also, DB Justin Gilbert (illness) and WR Marlon Moore (hamstring) returned to practice.
"Dansby is getting closer," Pettine said. "I'll rule Gip (Tashaun Gipson) out. Jordan will practice. Miles and Gary (Barnidge) are obviously out."
Pettine said Cameron is getting closer, as well.
"I don't know when his last symptom was but it's truly a day-to-day situation."
A report said that Barnidge suffered broken ribs but Pettine wouldn't confirm it and called him day-to-day as well. Barnidge was on the stationary bike during practice.
Pettine said that Moore has a chance to play this week.
