Browns CB Joe Haden returns to practice

The Browns’ depleted secondary might receive some reinforcement from cornerback Joe Haden.

Haden returned to practice today after sitting out Sunday during the Browns’ 23-20 overtime loss to the Dallas Cowboys after suffering an injured oblique muscle last week during practice.

The Browns (2-8) hope Haden can give them a much-needed boost Sunday when they host the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4). The Steelers will play third-string quarterback Charlie Batch as starter Ben Roethlisberger (shoulder, ribs) and Byron Leftwich (ribs) deal with injuries. The Steelers have won 16 of their past 17 games against the Browns.

Meanwhile, cornerback Dimitri Patterson did not practice. Patterson has missed the past five games with a left high-ankle sprain and torn ligament and planned to test the injury this week. However, he also said he would not rush back.

Cornerback Buster Skrine is also still out after suffering a concussion in the fourth quarter Sunday. He is working through the process of being medically cleared to practice, coach Pat Shurmur said.

Undrafted rookie Johnson Bademosi, who filled in for Skrine at cornerback after he left the game, will serve as the Browns’ fourth captain Sunday against the Steelers, Shurmur said. Defensive coordinator Dick Jauron said Bademosi could play more cornerback Sunday depending on the injuries at the position.

In addition to Patterson and Skrine, special-teams ace Ray Ventrone (hand/calf) did not practice today.