Browns extra points: Competition at center and tight end injury updates
More news and notes on the Browns
Center Controversy?: There's a possibility the Browns will start their fourth different center this year on Sunday. C Nick McDonald injured his ankle/knee early against the Bills, but was cleared to return to the game.
However, the coaches decided to stay with his replacement C Ryan Seymour for the remainder of the game. Pettine said Seymour has played himself into the discussion of starting this week. Seymour played his first snaps at center against Buffalo.
"We still haven't determined that yet," Pettine said. "We're working both guys (in practice)."
Pettine said playing four different players at a position isn't ideal.
"It's something you deal with," Pettine said. "(Seymour's) taken a number of reps. We're comfortable with him."
Pettine compared the center competition to the quarterback competition.
"To me, it's similar to the quarterback position," he said. "It's a little less of a glamorous position.
"It's competition, but you go with the guy who you feel gives you the best chance to win."
Pro Bowl center Alex Mack was lost for the season earlier this year against Pittsburgh and was replaced by OL John Greco. Later, McDonald was inserted at center and has started the last six games and Greco moved back to right guard.
Barnidge not looking good; Cameron hopeful: Pettine didn't sound too optimistic about the possible return of TE Gary Barnidge (ribs) this week. He was on the stationary bike Thursday at the beginning of practice.
Meanwhile, Cameron was practicing again.
"Losing Gary is tough and it's something we're going to have to overcome," Pettine said. "Jordan practiced (Wednesday) and we'll see if he can put another good day out there for us. I'm optimistic, cautiously, that he can go, but we've been here before."
Pettine said TE Ryan Taylor has given the Browns good reps and he will backup TE Jim Dray if Cameron and Barnidge don't play.
RB Isaiah Crowell (hip) returned to practice, but LB Jabaal Sheard (foot) did not practice. WR Marlon Moore (hamstring) was limited. DB Tashaun Gipson (knee) is out. OL Nick McDonald, who injured his ankle/knee against the Bills was a full participant in practice.
DB Donte Whitner and LB Paul Kruger weren't on the practice field during the open session of practice for undisclosed reasons.
Pro Bowl Bademosi: Pettine said that DB Johnson Badesmosi is playing at a Pro Bowl level on special teams.
"To me, he should be in the discussion for the Pro Bowl from a special teams standpoint," Pettine said. "I know missing time hurt him, but he's an elite teamer and very smart. He's basically a backup at several positions."
Bademosi missed two games earlier this season with a concussion.
Recovering Miles: Pettine said that although WR Miles Austin is lost for this season, it is his understanding that the injury to his kidney isn't career threatening.
"It's my understanding that he'll recover from this," Pettine said. "The news was positive. He was kept in the hospital more as precautionary."
Pettine said Austin's production on the field would be missed.
"He had some clutch production for us, for sure," Pettine said. "That's what we'll miss."
Toy Drive Sunday: The Browns and local Marines will host the annual Toys for Tots gameday toy drive at FirstEnergy Stadium gates prior to Sunday's game against Indianapolis as part of the First and Ten campaign.
Fans are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys for kids in need within Cuyahoga County. Members of the US Marine Corps will collect donations, including monetary contributions as fans enter the stadium beginning at 11 a.m.
Fans who make a donation will receive an official orange Browns #give10 wristband as part of the First and Ten movement.
