National Football League

Dansby return would be 'huge' for Browns

Published Dec. 4, 2014 2:45 p.m. ET

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BEREA, Ohio -- The Browns need a lift and there's a chance they will get one this Sunday.

The Browns are facing the most high-powered offense in the NFL this week in the Colts led by quarterback Andrew Luck. Indianapolis is ranked first overall in total offense averaging 438.3 yards per game.

More importantly, the Colts are first in the most important statistic--points per game--averaging 31.8 points a game.

The Browns bruised and battered defense could get a big boost if defensive signal caller Karlos Dansby can return to the field on Sunday.

Last week, Dansby said he was "very, very close" to returning, but was inactive against the Bills.

A positive sign was that Dansby practiced on a limited basis on Wednesday and Thursday.

"We'll see how the knee responds (after practice Thursday) and Friday," Pettine said.

Dansby was asked if he thought he could return to the lineup this week.

"If my body tells me it's a go, it's a go," Dansby said after practice Wednesday. "There's tests I definitely have to pass and the coaches trust me and they believe in what I've got going on and how I'm taking care of my body. So it's on me."

Dansby has missed the last two games since spraining his MCL in the second quarter against the Texans on Nov. 16. Originally, the timetable was that Dansby could miss a month. Until the injury, Dansby had played every defensive snap in seven of the 10 games that he played.

Pettine said if any player could beat the timetable given on an injury, it would be Dansby.

"He's been beyond aggressive trying to get back," Pettine said. "In whatever span they gave us (him being sidelined), whether it's four to six (weeks), we knew it would be three (weeks).

"It's just the way he is, the way he approaches, how important it is to him, that just speaks to who he is," Pettine said. "Just one of the many reasons that he is here. The young guys see that and it's a great example for them that just because you're given a certain amount of time (to be out) doesn't mean it has to be that.

"When we say leave no stone unturned and do everything you can do, whether its been in the building or not, everything for him has been about I need to get back on the field."

Despite missing two games, Dansby is still second on the team in tackles with 73, including three sacks, two passes broken up and an interception. Donte Whitner leads the team with 79 tackles.

Craig Robertson has filled in admirably in the MIKE linebacker position in Dansby's absence calling the plays and filling the position. He has led the Browns in tackles in each of the past two games, in addition to calling the defensive signals.

Defensive coordinator Jim O'Neil said Robertson has played well.

"Craig really has done a good job (in Dansby's absence)."

As well as Robertson has played, O'Neil said getting Dansby back for this week's game cannot be understated.

"It would be huge," O'Neil said. "It was great to see him on the field (Wednesday and Thursday). He's a big reason we're where we are. It would be nice to get our leader back."

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