Browns center Alex Mack released from hospital

Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack (55) slaps hands with fans as he is introduced on the field before facing the Miami Dolphins in an NFL football game on Sunday, Sept. 25, 2011, in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

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Browns center Alex Mack was released from the Cleveland Clinic today after having an appendectomy on Monday. He is resting comfortably at his home and continues to progress well in his recovery, a team spokesman said.

Despite suffering from flu-like symptoms, Mack did not miss any of the offense's snaps this past Sunday in the Browns' 31-13 loss to the Tennessee Titans. He received IVs before the game and played through his ailment.

"He's tough as nails because he was feeling a little queasy during that game, too," right tackle Tony Pashos said of Mack. "The guy is tough."

On Monday morning, team trainers discovered Mack had symptoms of appendicitis and sent him to the hospital. He had his appendix removed later in the day.

Browns coach Pat Shurmur said Tuesday he didn't know whether Mack would be available to play after the team's upcoming bye. The Browns won't play again until they visit the Oakland Raiders on Oct. 16.

Several of Mack's teammates believe he'll be ready to face the Raiders.

"I don't expect him to miss any time," Pashos said. "He's played with some injuries before, and I think he'll be all right. I'm not a doctor, but I know Alex."

With Mack absent during practice Tuesday, Steve Vallos and John Greco, both of whom graduated from Boardman High School near Youngstown, rotated at center with the first-team offense. Vallos had an appendectomy when he was a junior in high school, so he can relate to Mack's situation.

"He didn't feel good Saturday night and then Sunday morning before the game," Vallos said. "He just felt really sick, and that's how you feel. And then you feel like you're getting jabbed in the side. But I think he should be fine. He's a real tough guy."