Browns WR Josh Cribbs returns to practice today after suffering concussion Thursday against Ravens

Wide receiver and special teamer Josh Cribbs returned to practice today after suffering a concussion Thursday in the Browns’ 23-16 loss to the Baltimore Ravens. He said he's ready to face the New York Giants on Sunday.

Cribbs left the Browns’ most recent game in the first quarter after he had his helmet knocked off while returning a punt. Ravens linebacker Dannell Ellerbe delivered the frightening hit, smacking his shoulder pad against Cribbs’ helmet. After Cribbs’ helmet flew off, his head snapped back, hit the turf and he was kicked in the face.

Cribbs was motionless on the field for a minute or two. He then sat up and walked off the field with members of the team’s medical staff.

"I don't remember much about the hit, but after I came up, I was ready to play again," Cribbs said, adding he was knocked unconscious. "They had to take my helmet and everything for me not to play and had to keep tabs on me in the locker room so I wouldn't run back out there. I was ready to play, and I'm ready to play this week.

"I'm blessed with a kill switch. The doctor said that was a good thing that happened. Some guys don't get up after that and recover as fast as I have. But like I said, I got someone looking out for me."

If Cribbs plays Sunday when the Browns (0-4) visit the Giants (2-2), he could help bolster a battered receiving corps. Wide receivers Mohamed Massaquoi (hamstring) and Travis Benjamin (hamstring) sat out practice today.

"I can tell you that I'm working to get in the game plan heavily again like I was last week," Cribbs said. "So we'll see."

Attendance

In addition to Massaquoi and Benjamin, safeties T.J. Ward (recent thumb surgery) and Tashaun Gipson (knee) and tight end Alex Smith (concussion) did not practice today.

Nose for end zone

Rookie running back Trent Richardson is averaging 3.5 yards per carry through four games, but coach Pat Shurmur said he places more importance on Richardson’s four touchdowns (three rushing and one receiving).

“Some guys have it and some guys don’t,” Shurmur said. “There’s running backs that can get you up and down the field and there’s other ones when you give it to them … they find a way to get in the end zone.”

High praise

Kicker Phil Dawson continues to impress. He made field goals of 50, 51 and 52 yards on a rainy night against the Ravens.

“I really appreciate really everything he brings to the table,” Shurmur said. “He’s a pro. I can’t imagine there’s really a better kicker anywhere else. I think we’re really blessed to have him as our kicker.”

Disappointing season?

Five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas dealt with a knee injury earlier this season. But Shurmur said he doesn’t believe Thomas’ knee is still bothering him or affecting his performance.

"Joe's battling just like everybody up front," Shurmur said. "Joe's a steady performer. Joe plays extremely well."

Game captain

Defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin will serve as the Browns’ fourth captain against the Giants, Shurmur said.

“He’s very dependable,” Shurmur said. “He’s not late for anything. He busts his tail. He practices. He plays. And he does all the things that you want the other players that are maybe struggling to get to that point, you say, ‘Hey, watch this guy do it.’”