Browns coach Eric Mangini said at his press conference Monday that nose tackle Shaun Rogers will go on injured reserve with a lower leg/ankle injury that will need surgery.

''He wants to be out there and it hurts. It's unfortunate,'' Mangini said of Rogers.

To some observers, a three-and-out series in the fourth quarter epitomized the Browns' struggles on offense in a 16-7 loss at Cincinnati Sunday.

On first and 10 from the Browns 13, Brady Quinn's pass for Joshua Cribbs went for 1 yard. A second-down throw to Cribbs was incomplete on a bad throw. After left tackle Joe Thomas was whistled for a rare false start, Quinn threw to Cribbs again for 1 yard on third and 14 from the 9.

Browns nose tackle Shaun Rogers was carted off with what was announced as an ankle injury with 3:31 remaining in Sunday's game at Cincinnati.

The three-time Pro Bowler was rolled up on from behind on a Bengals running play. Browns coach Eric Mangini and several teammates came off the bench to console Rogers, who was holding his left leg and appeared to be in serious pain as he departed.

Browns second-round picks Brian Robiskie, a receiver from Ohio State, and David Veikune, a linebacker from Hawaii, were among the Browns inactives for Sunday's game at Cincinnati for the second consecutive week.

It is the fourth game this season Robiskie has sat out. This time coach Eric Mangini activated Jake Allen, claimed off waivers from Green Bay last week, at the expense of Robiskie.

Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has not shied away from taking the blame this season for the team's 32nd-ranked defense.

But Ryan wouldn't do that when he spoke Friday about the Browns blowing a 24-3 first-quarter lead in Sunday's 38-37 loss at Detroit.

The Browns had four players sidelined for practice Wednesday led by fullback Lawrence Vickers, who injured a hamstring in Sunday's 38-37 loss at Detroit.

Offensive lineman Rex Hadnot (knee), defensive lineman Shaun Rogers (ankle) and tight end Robert Royal (thigh, finger) also missed practice as well.

The Browns were awarded linebacker Matt Roth off waivers from Miami Wednesday, a move  aimed at plugging the gaping hole on defense left by starters D'Qwell Jackson (pectoral muscle) and Eric Barton (neck), who've recently been sidelined with injuries.

Roth was originally signed by the Dolphins in the second round (46th overall) in the 2005 draft out of Iowa.
In five seasons with Miami, Roth has played in 64 games (23 starts), totaling 158 tackles, 12.5 sacks, five passes defended and six forced fumbles. His best season came last year when Roth moved from defensive end to linebacker, but he eventually lost his starting job to University of Akron product Jason Taylor.
Recently, Miami coach Tony Sparano said Roth was "really impressive" in the Dolphins 25-23 win over Tampa Bay on Nov. 15th. But it's been a frustrating season for Roth, who missed training camp and the first five games of the season with a groin injury.

Browns coach Eric Mangini said he cleared the air with Lions coach Jim Schwartz after Mangini accused the Lions of faking injuries to slow down the no-huddle offense during Detroit's 38-37 victory Sunday at Ford Field.

According to the official play-by-play, on six occasions the game was stopped by injuries to five different Lions defenders and all returned to the game.

[audio:http://media.ohio.com/audio/mangini-post-detroit_11-23-09.mp3]

Browns coach Eric Mangini may have ignited another controversy to rival Spygate when he accused the Detroit Lions of faking injuries to slow down their no-huddle offense in the Lions' 38-37 victory Sunday at Ford Field.

In Mangini's second year as head coach of the New York Jets, Mangini accused the New England Patriots of videotaping the Jets defensive signals during the 2007 season opener, which later became known as Spygate.

LINEBACKER DAVID BOWENS

(flag on Poteat) ''Just a tough call. I thought on that play everyone busted their tail. It was one of those jump ball situations where everyone has a right to the ball. The quarterback scrambled out of the pocket and the refs made the call. One more play left, we still have to stop 'em. They did a good job of executing in goal-line situation. They got the win, they deserved it.

Rookie Chris Jennings continued to carve out a bigger role as the Browns' No. 2 running back, this time at the expense of fourth-year man Jerome Harrison, who was inactive.

Jennings, a University of Arizona product who played in the Canadian Football League, saw his first extended action in Monday night's loss to Baltimore. In Sunday's 38-37 loss at Detroit, he rushed 10 times for 36 yards and caught five passes for 38 yards.

Browns rookie receiver Brian Robiskie and fourth-year running back Jerome Harrison are among the inactives for Sunday's game against the Lions at Ford Field.

Robiskie, an Ohio State product, has caught just one pass in seven games and appears to be struggling to get open. He was also inactive in Games 2 and 3.

Former Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers coach Mike Holmgren said in a radio interview Friday that he was interested in a football position with the 1-8 Cleveland Browns.

Holmgren told KJR-AM radio 950 in Seattle that he hadn't spoken to Browns owner Randy Lerner yet, but was ''very flattered'' when his name came up last week.

While talking about the multi-year contract extension Jon Gruden signed earlier this week with ESPN (a deal that theoretically eliminated him as a 2010 coaching candidate) the football analyst addressed Michael Silver of Yahoo! Sports about the perception that he’s reticent to rip teams and players in his current role.¶
   "I’ll be honest with you, I’ve been criticized by some for being too positive, for loving everybody because I’m trying to get this job or that job," Gruden told Silver Thursday. "That’s a crock. I love the game, OK? And I’m enthusiastic because of it. There are positives about everybody, and I try to find them.¶
   "There’s a lot of negativity out there...And I am truly sorry for not adding to the negativity and for seeing the bright side of the world here. Because, you know, I think negativity is what the world needs. They need some more guys to sit up there and ridicule the Cleveland Browns for four hours."¶

Browns defensive coordinator Rob Ryan took full blame for his defense not having enough men on the field in the third quarter when Ravens running back  Ray Rice's sprinted 13 yards into the endzone untouched for the game's first touchdown in Monday nights 16-0 loss to Baltimore at Cleveland Browns Stadium.

"(Baltimore) hurried up and I was (mad) at the guy for giving up a completion in double coverage and your emotions get the better of you then," Ryan said. "Then some jerk runs me over with the chain. "(Heck), I should of just called time out  there, but I looked up and saw Mike Adams (midway between the sideline and the formation when the ball was snapped)...I couldn't get the people out there fast enough. That one's squarely on my shoulders."

Browns coach Eric Mangini expects receiver/returner Joshua Cribbs to play Sunday at Detroit despite suffering a neck injury on the final play of Monday night's 16-0 loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Asked if he would get someone else to return kicks and punts, Mangini said, ''I anticipate Josh playing all the roles he normally plays this week.''

Browns coach Eric Mangini said surgery is ''definitely a possibility'' for punter Dave Zastudil, who was placed on injured reserve Wednesday with right knee injury.

''I don't think that's been ruled out,'' Mangini said.

Browns receiver/returner Joshua Cribbs was back at practice Thursday after suffering a neck injury Monday night against the Baltimore Ravens.

On a hook-and-lateral play on the final snap of the game, Cribbs was upended by defensive end Dwan Edwards, who gave Cribbs a forearm under the chin, which will likely draw a fine when the league releases that information Friday. Cribbs had to be immobilized and spent the night in the Cleveland Clinic.

Ravens and Lions

Third-string running back Chris Jennings saw extended action for the first time this season in Monday night's game against visiting Baltimore.

The undrafted rookie from Arizona ran the ball seven times for 18 yards and caught one pass for 10 yards.

Browns starting tight end Steve Heiden and punter Dave Zastudil were placed on injured reserve Wednesday, ending their seasons.

''Steve and Dave worked extremely hard this year and you don't like to see anyone's season end prematurely because of an injury,'' Browns coach Eric Mangini said in a statement. ''They both provided a veteran presence that will not be easy to replace.''

Schwartz believes Stafford can lead Lions to glory
[audio:http://media.ohio.com/audio/Jim_Schwartz-11-18-09.mp3]

Stafford has faith in Mohammed
[audio:http://media.ohio.com/audio/Matthew_Stafford_11-18-09.mp3]

Even before the final Nielsen ratings are in, the Baltimore Ravens' 16-0 victory over the Browns is assured of being ESPN's lowest rated ''Monday Night Football'' broadcast of this season.

According to figures provided by ESPN, the game drew an overall 7.4 metered market average. Even with a slight change in the final number, it will not surpass the two previous MNF lows, which received an 8.9. Those were San Diego vs. Oakland on Sept. 14, which started at 10:15 p.m., and Atlanta vs. New Orleans on Nov. 2, which played opposite Game 5 of the World Series.

Browns quarterback Brady Quinn said he was fined for his hit on Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs Monday night, but would not disclose the amount Wednesday.

''I mean, obviously, I got fined for it. That's the extent I'm going to share,'' Quinn said. ''I'm not going to disclose the amount, but it's a good amount.''

Browns coach Eric Mangini said receiver/returner Joshua Cribbs will miss practice Wednesday after being carted off the field Monday night against Baltimore.

On the final play of the Browns' 16-0 loss, Cribbs was upended by Ravens defensive end Dwan Edwards, who hit Cribbs with a forearm to the chin just after Cribbs lateraled to tight end Robert Royal. Cribbs had to be immobilized and spent the night in the Cleveland Clinic. He was released Tuesday morning. Mangini said Tuesday that Cribbs did not suffer a concussion.

Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs underwent an MRI Tuesday for what was announced as a sprained knee, taken out by a low blow from Browns' quarterback Brady Quinn during Baltimore's 16-0 Monday night victory at Cleveland.

Drawing a personal foul penalty, Quinn hit Suggs as Quinn was trying to tackle cornerback Chris Carr, who recorded the second of two third-quarter interceptions thrown by Quinn.

[audio:http://media.ohio.com/audio/Eric_Mangini_11-17-09.mp3]

Even as Browns receiver/returner Joshua Cribbs appears to have emerged relatively unscathed from a nasty hit on the final play of a 16-0 Monday night loss to the Baltimore Ravens, his agent ripped the team Tuesday for exposing Cribbs in such dangerous circumstances.

Cribbs was released from the Cleveland Clinic early Tuesday morning and precautionary tests were negative, according to a statement released by the Browns. But agent J.R. Rickert questioned why Cribbs was on the field for a risky hook-and-lateral with just three seconds remaining in an unwinnable game.

Browns quarterback Brady Quinn post-game press conference:

(On the Browns' offensive struggles) ''We tried the no-huddle offense, we ran it effectively to some degree, but at the end we put ourselves in a hole and kind of became one-dimensional.''

When it comes to the 2009 Browns, you have to measure success in baby steps.

One baby step came Monday night against the visiting Ravens.  The Browns may have struggled to score again, but they were at least moving in the right direction by consistently utilizing  the Wildcat offense in the scoreless first half.

The Browns and Ravens each have eight players inactive for tonight's game.

Out for the Browns are quarterback Brett Ratliff,  punter Dave Zastudil, defensive back Coye Francies, linebacker Alex Hall, offensive lineman Billy Yates, tight ends Greg Estandia and Michael Gaines and receiver Chansi Stuckey.

The Browns will conduct a canned food drive before Monday night's home game against the Baltimore Ravens to benefit the Cleveland Foodbank.

Specially marked containers will be stationed at each gate, along with volunteers, who will collect monetary donations.

The NFL Players Association will send representatives to Cleveland Wednesday to meet with Browns players and investigate running back Jamal Lewis' charges that they're being overworked by coach Eric Mangini, Jay Glazer of Fox reported Sunday.

''The NFLPA wants to get to the bottom of exactly what Eric Mangini is doing with these guys,'' Glazer said on Fox's pre-game show. ''Not sure what they can really do, but they’re going out to see if there is any way they can protect them.''

Punter Dave Zastudil's long-sore right knee may not last much longer.

The eight-year veteran was limited in practice Friday and the Browns tried out punters afterward in full view of the media.

Mangini defends his practices
[audio:http://media.ohio.com/audio/mangini-balt_11-13-09.mp3]

A day after Browns running back Jamal Lewis ripped him for overworking the players and leaving nothing for the games, Browns coach Eric Mangini defended his practices Friday.

The Browns, ESPN, Bud Light and WJW Channel 8 combined to purchase the less than 2,000 tickets that remained for Monday night's home game against Baltimore, averting the first local television blackout since 1995.

According to the Browns' press release, the four groups will distribute the unsold tickets to the USO and other local organizations.

After months of practices in pads with no rewards or victories in sight, Browns running back Jamal Lewis finally snapped Thursday, blasting coach Eric Mangini and his methods.

''I’m tired of it. I’m tired of dealing with the politics, I’m tired of dealing with the whole organizational thing, just how things go. it’s just tiresome. when you don’t have to deal with it, why deal with it?''
Lewis said.

It's back to Brady Quinn for the Browns.

As expected at his Wednesday morning media briefing, head coach Eric Mangini named Quinn the starting quarterback for the Browns Monday Night matchup with visiting Baltimore.

Browns coach Eric Mangini seems to have decided who he'll start at quarterback against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday, Nov. 16, but wasn't willing to reveal the choice Monday.

''I'll let you guys know about that on Wednesday,'' Mangini said. ''We’ll talk about that more in preparation for the Ravens. I know where I'm headed.

Browns rookie linebacker Marcus Benard received a standing ovation when coach Eric Mangini announced in front of the team Monday that the undrafted free agent from Jackson State was being promoted to the active roster.

''I was trying to keep my cool, keep composure, act like I've been here before. Then everybody starts clapping,'' Benard said.

Browns running back Jamal Lewis doesn't agree with the plan of two longtime season ticket holders for the Nov. 16 Monday night home game against Baltimore. Mike Randall of Massillon and Tony Schafer of Sandusky want fans to wait until after kickoff to go to their seats in protest over the state of the franchise and owner Randy Lerner's unwillingness to talk on camera.

"The great thing about Browns fans was that they were going to be there regardless,'' Lewis said Wednesday. ''And that's being an opposing team coming in here that the fans would
be cursing you out no matter what, no matter what the record was and that was how it was going to be. That's what I expected with this team.

Marla Ridenour reviews the Browns game against the Bears and the firing of GM George Kokinis as the team heads into the bye week.

Former Browns coach Marty Schottenheimer has no interest in a role as a consultant to owner Randy Lerner if Lerner were to contact him, Schottenheimer said Tuesday on SIRIUS NFL radio.

"I don’t even see that kind of a role for me,'' Schottenheimer told host Alex Marvez. ''I’m not familiar enough with what they have in terms of their front office. Let somebody else do that. It’s really a very unusual circumstance and it’s going to take some dramatic measures in my mind to be able to get the thing headed in the right direction.''

Longtime season ticket holders Mike Randall of Massillon and Tony Schafer of Sandusky met with Browns owner Randy Lerner for nearly two hours in Lerner's office Tuesday.

Randall and Schafer, aka ''Dawg Pound Mike'' and ''Mobile Dawg'' are organizing a protest for the Browns' next home game, Nov. 16 against the Baltimore Ravens. They are encouraging fans not to go to their seats until after kickoff to voice their displeasure with the state of the franchise and Lerner's unwillingness to address them on camera.

Browns inside linebacker Eric Barton has a serious neck injury that could jeopardize his season, Chris Mortensen is reporting on ESPN.com.

Citing a source close to Barton, Mortensen said a spine specialist at the Cleveland Clinic diagnosed Barton with a bulging disc between the C3 and C4 vertebrae in his neck after Sunday's 30-6 loss at Chicago.

Browns running back Jamal Lewis was not on the field Tuesday for the first 30 minutes of practice open to the media. It was later learned his absence was excused.

Because this is the Browns bye week, there is no injury report.

Mangini virtually mum on Kokinis
[audio:http://media.ohio.com/audio/mangini-post-koki-11-3-09.mp3]

Browns coach Eric Mangini addressed Monday's departure of general manager George Kokinis at his Tuesday press conference, but dodged nearly every question about what transpired.

BEREA: When it comes to the 1-7 Cleveland Browns, the national consensus is off with their heads.

General manager George Kokinis was escorted out of the Berea headquarters and is no longer with the team, league sources said Monday.

Browns general manager George Kokinis was ousted Monday, but the team confirmed only that he is no longer ''actively involved with the organization.''

Kokinis' departure appeared to come under contentious circumstances, but it is unclear whether he resigned or was forced out. ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported that the Browns were trying to work out a settlement with Kokinis in which he would resign, but that Kokinis had refused.

[audio:http://media.ohio.com/audio/mangini-post-chicago-11-2-09.mp3]

Longtime season ticket holders Mike Randall of Massillon and Tony Schafer of Sandusky will meet with Browns owner Randy Lerner Tuesday morning.

Randall and Schafer, aka ''Dawg Pound Mike'' and ''Mobile Dawg,'' are planning a protest at the Nov. 16 Monday night home game against Baltimore. The pair hope to keep fans from their seats until after kickoff to show their displeasure with the state of the franchise.

The Browns' five turnovers in a 30-6 loss at Chicago brought their season total to 23 and left them minus 11 in takeaway/giveaways.

Receiver/returner Joshua Cribbs said he and his teammates are trying to do too much.

Browns coach Eric Mangini went back to Brady Quinn with 3:02 remaining in Sunday's game and the Browns trailing the Chicago Bears 30-6 at Soldier Field.

Starter Derek Anderson was lifted after the Browns' fifth turnover, an interception by Charles Tillman. Anderson was hit as he threw.

Browns were without both their inside linebackers who started the season opener in the second half at Chicago after Eric Barton suffered a shoulder injury late in the first half.

That pressed special teamer Blake Costanzo into action at linebacker and David Bowens making the calls. Bowens moved from outside to inside linebacker when rookie Kaluka Maiava was benched.

Browns starter Derek Anderson completed just 2 of 9 passes for 13 yards with an interception and a fumble in the first half as the Browns fell behind the Chicago Bears 16-0.
His rating was 0.0.

Anderson was already the lowest-rated quarterback in the league. On the final play of the second quarter, Anderson lined up at receiver in the Wildcat formation. After a 10-yard run by Joshua Cribbs, Anderson slinked off the field, obviously disappointed.

Browns coach Eric Mangini benched free safety Brodney Pool for Sunday's game at Chicago and started Mike Adams in his place.

Pool missed a key tackle on receiver Donald Driver's 71-yard touchdown in a 31-3 loss to the Packers last week. Defensive coordinator Rob Ryan said Friday he had spent extra time with Pool working on his tackling.