The Browns gave Trent Dilfer some time off during their bye week.
"We rested him a bit because he's one of the elder statesmen," coach Romeo
Crennel said.
Crennel and Dilfer both said they expect Dilfer to start Sunday against the
Bears. Dilfer took a shot to his knee in the loss to the Colts, and limped
through the final period. He did not need an MRI, though, and he said there was
no problem with his knee.
"I'm feeling good and I'll be ready to go this week," Dilfer said. Dilfer has
been a pleasant surprise through three games. His rating of 95.1 is eighth-best
in the league.
The Browns QB also wants to be more productive in the red zone.
Dilfer has dropped to throw five times in the red zone on third down, and
completed two passes -- none for touchdowns.
One completion was on a tipped ball that went to center Jeff Faine; another
incompletion was a drop by Antonio Bryant.
But Dilfer also took a sack and said he needs to do better on the most
crucial down in the most crucial situations.
"I haven't played my best football on third down in the red zone," he said.
"That's where I want to play my best."
CALVARY ARRIVES: General Manager Phil Savage thinks the return of Lee Suggs will help Reuben Droughns.
Droughns has run well, but is averaging less than four yards per carry.
Savage said the team envisioned Suggs and Droughns as an inside-outside
tandem. "I think Reuben's performance will increase as Lee comes back and vice
versa," Savage said. "I think they'll kind of feed off each other."
NOT STARTING YET: WR Braylon Edwards may or may not move into the
starting lineup against Chicago. Asked if the coaching staff had discussed
moving Edwards to the starting unit and using Dennis Northcutt as the third
wideout, coach Romeo Crennel said, "We have not discussed that."