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With Heiden hurting, and Winslow suspended, Rucker might be needed
By Marla Ridenour
Beacon Journal sports writer
Published on Thursday, Oct 23, 2008
BEREA: Kellen Winslow's one-game suspension could mean the first playing time of the season for Browns rookie tight end Martin Rucker.
But if he does see action Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Rucker will not forget the lessons he's learned from Winslow.
Asked what he's taken from the fourth-year Pro Bowler, Rucker said, ''To work all the time.''
''He wears full pads every day. He does extra things at home. He watches a lot of film,'' Rucker said. ''Prepare and work hard. The way you practice is the way you play.''
A fourth-round draft choice from Missouri, Rucker has been inactive since undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery on Aug. 13. He didn't return to practice until Oct. 6.
The Browns suspended Winslow for conduct detrimental to the team, but Winslow is appealing. His expedited grievance will be heard by an arbitrator in Cleveland Friday or Saturday.
Backup Steve Heiden missed practice Wednesday with what coach Romeo Crennel called a mild pectoral strain, but Crennel expects Heiden to be available. Heiden, used extensively of late in two-tight end sets with Darnell Dinkins, proclaimed himself ''fine.''
''If I had to tell you today, I'd play,'' Heiden said. ''We'll treat it and we'll see how it goes. But it doesn't feel too bad.''
When Winslow sat out against the New York Giants Oct. 13 after a three-day hospitalization, Crennel said Rucker wasn't ready. On Wednesday, Crennel said Rucker has made progress and ''we'll see if there's a spot where he can help us.''
Rucker said the first week back was an adjustment.
''Getting used to running again, running on a knee that's had surgery, what it feels like, all those things are something you have to take into account,'' he said. ''A couple weeks in, I know what to expect. If my number's called, I will be ready.''
Heiden likes what he's seen of Rucker, who showed promise with five catches for 70 yards in the preseason against the New York Jets.
''He's athletic, he can run and catch,'' Heiden said. ''He pays attention, he's pretty quiet. He's kind of a thinker and he'll be fine if he gets in there. As a rookie for me it was very hard and he's done a pretty good job.''
Injury report
Also missing practice and considered questionable are safety Mike Adams (hamstring), linebacker Shantee Orr (foot), right tackle Ryan Tucker (knee) and defensive end Corey Williams (shoulder). Crennel said defensive end Shaun Smith (hand surgery) is out and Orr might not be available. Crennel said Williams' shoulder showed no change from previous MRIs and he expects him to play.
Marla Ridenour can be reached at mridenour@thebeaconjournal.com. Read her Browns blog at http://www.ohiomm.com/blogs/browns/.
BEREA: Kellen Winslow's one-game suspension could mean the first playing time of the season for Browns rookie tight end Martin Rucker.
Get the full article here.
Comments
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Posted 08:07 PM, 10/23/2008
Now that our season is in a downward swirl of the toilet bowl, maybe that trade with the Viking for 2 first round draft picks for DA,this is a no brainer, and by the way lets rid ourselves of KW,and RC, and lets place BQ in his righfull place and lets play some football before you know it we might find ourselves in the playoffs.
Posted 08:12 AM, 10/24/2008
joe- i would be very surprised if they can get a third round pick for him.
Posted 08:16 AM, 10/24/2008
if rucker can block,start him. it COULD help jamal's running. he is a beast and not had a 100 yd. game this year IN PART because of kw's blocking ability.
Wilmington, NC
Posted 09:00 AM, 10/24/2008
Listen to this kid talk -- very well spoken and polite. Kind of like Kamerion Wimbley, but not nearly as scary looking. If he listens to Heiden and not K2, he'll do just fine for us.
