As rookies struggled to learn playbooks and terminology on the practice
fields of Berea, a trio of veterans remained very much in the minds of the
Cleveland Browns as they ponder their immediate future.
Browns head coach Romeo Crennel offered some updates on C LeCharles Bentley,
TE Kellen Winslow, and OT Ryan Tucker after today's mini-camp.
Bentley, whose training camp patellar tear has cast doubt on his ability to
continue his career, continues to rehabilitate the knee, and has yet to decide
whether to have an additional procedure done to correct the tear. General
Manager Phil Savage said that performing the procedure would result in Bentley
missing the entire 2007 season.
"He's got to make that decision", Crennel said of the additional procedure on
Bentley's knee, "I can't make it for him... no one can... and he'll make it for
himself".
Regardless of his decision, Crennel said that Bentley would not participate
in the team's Off-season Training Activities (OTAs) or the June mini-camp.
TE Kellen Winslow is also continuing to rehab and is working with Browns
trainers on a daily basis. Crennel cautioned that Winslow would likely not do a
great deal during the team's June mini-camps.
"He's comes by just about every day", Crennel said of the team's leading pass
receiver, "and he's making progress".
The Browns head coach was seemingly more optimistic regarding OT Ryan Tucker,
who missed a portion of last season due to emotional problems.
"Ryan Tucker is working out in the off-season and making good progress. His
attitude is good and he's excited about this coming year."
Crennel expects Tucker to participate in the team's mini-camp, but stopped
short of promising that Tucker was certain to return to playing a key starting
role on the line, saying that he wouldn't be certain of Tucker's return until
the team starts playing games.
Regardless of Crennel's usual hedging and understatement, the head coach
appeared to be upbeat about Tucker's return.
"I'm optimistic about Tucker. I think the pressure of the season and the
pressure of playing impacts everybody. We’ll have to see how that’s handled. I
think he’ll be OK.”