Browns injury update: Who's in, who's out, and who's replacing Mack?
Greco likely at Center; McQuistan at RG: Pettine said there's still time for a change in course for this week, but it's likely that John Greco will be the center this week and Paul McQuistan will be the right guard.
"If I had to say probably, McQuistan, but we'll see," Pettine said. "We'll get a good look (Thursday) at it with the repetitions."
Pettine said that OL Vinston Painter is still in the mix to play right guard.
He also didn't rule out Nick McDonald being activated after practicing for the first time Wednesday. He was listed as limited on the injury report.
"The other guy that took team reps (Wednesday) was Nick McDonald," Pettine said. "We were very pleased with him with his conditioning. I don't see a case this week where we'd activate him, but we'll be making that decision."
With C Alex Mack having surgery on his broken leg, the Browns have just six offensive linemen available. Pettine was asked if they would add another offensive lineman for the game.
"That would be a safe assumption."
If they don't activate McDonald, it is likely it would be a player off the practice squad. They currently have OL Karim Barton, OL Braxston Cave and OL Ryan Seymour on the practice squad.
Williams Doubtful: Pettine said that he doubted if DB K'Waun Williams (concussion) would be cleared from his concussion in time to play this week against the Jaguars. He did not practice Thursday.
"We're not sure yet I would say it's doubtful for this weekend based on the time it's taken for him to be symptom free," Pettine said. "I don't want to rule him out yet, but it's probably a safe bet."
Pettine said they'd likely move CB Buster Skrine inside in Williams' place in three cornerback sets and CB Justin Gilbert would be used more on the outside.
"We have personnel groupings so its not just Justin outside we do have some depth there with Nellie (Robert Nelson)."
DB Tashaun Gipson (thigh) was limited on the injury report, but DL Billy Winn (quad) and WR Rodney Smith (hamstring) did not practice. The three were on a stationary bike at the beginning of practice.
DL Ahtyba Rubin practiced and is on pace to play this week.
"We're hopeful to get Rubin back," Pettine said Wednesday.
Mingo Harness: Pettine shed a little light on LB Barkevious Mingo's shoulder injury that he suffered early in the season. He admitted that Mingo is wearing a shoulder harness that limits his mobility in the arm.
"He played better (against the Steelers), but to his credit he has to play with a harness," he said. "His mobility is limited with that arm a little."
Pettine said one play, in particular, QB Ben Roethlisberger couldn't get his read as Mingo came around the corner
"Ming wasn't able to get the sack, but that's a good example of somebody causing production as opposed to getting (a sack)."
Defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil said Mingo is going to have to continue to play through it.
"When you get injured early in the season in football, it's not going away," he said. "It's something you have to learn to play with and manage it. With what we're asking him to do, he's getting it done."
Mingo is playing a lot on special teams and doing a good job.
"He's really good on (special teams)," Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor said. "He's a guy that has taken special teams seriously since he's been here."
