As mini-camp entered its second day, the Browns found themselves without their
top two draft choices, Braylon Edwards and Brodney Pool.
Let's see... an play-making stud the team hopes will ignite the offense and a
highly regarded safety who will help short up the secondary are drafted. Neither
are available.
Where have we seen this before?
The Browns aren't worried about a repeat of the season-ending injuries which
claimed TE Kellen Winslow, Jr., and S Sean Jones in 2004, however. Edwards
missed camp in the morning due to a personal matter (a death in the family) and
will be returning to Berea tonight. Pool is still recovering from a hamstring
pull and will be worked back in slowly.
Edwards is also coming back from a muscle strain, which is not serious. Head
coach Romeo Crennel said today that the team would "ease him back in".
Both Pool and Edwards have some additional opportunities to work, despite
their inability so far to be involved in mini-camp. While veterans leave after
Wednesday's practice, rookies will remain in Berea for the next several weeks to
continue workouts.
WINSLOW GOES UNDER THE KNIFE: The Browns did not have an update on the
status of tight end Kellen Winslow after this morning's practice. The team hopes
to hear from the surgeon, Anthony Miniaci, later in the day and should have more
information about Winslow's status.
FAMILIAR STORY AT TIGHT END: The Browns corps of tight ends, while
capable, continues to have a difficult time with injuries. The team revealed
today that tight end Keith Heinrich also suffered an ACL injury during passing
camp and was also receiving treatment at the clinic.
Heinrich had similar bad fortune last year, when he was placed on the
Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list due to an ankle injury suffered during
passing camp.
With the loss of Heinrich, the Browns have youngsters Paul Irons and Keith Willis behind veterans Aaron Shea and Steve Heiden. The team also added Roger Robinson and was working him out at the tight end position.
PICKING UP THE INTENSITY: As we noted yesterday, Monday morning
practice wasn't perhaps as intense as we expected it to be. Crennel noted this
as well, saying that the team's practice was a "little sluggish, a little going
through the motions". The coaching staff spoke with the team prior to practice
and Crennel was pleased with the up-tick in activity today.
CRENNEL KICKS BACK: Romeo Crennel will also get a brief respite from
reviving the Browns during the six-week hiatus for veterans. Crennel will be
attending his daughter's wedding in early July and informed the press that he
will take some time off, at his wife's request, following the ceremonies.
- BDMc