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Cleveland Browns-Miami Dolphins injury report: Shawn Lauvao lone Browns player to sit

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Jordan Cameron, Chris Owens full-go at practice Wednesday.

BEREA, Ohio – Right guard Shawn Lauvao (ankle) was the lone player on the Browns active roster who did not participate in practice Wednesday.

“I think he is still on schedule,'' head coach Rob Chudzinski said before practice. “He will be out this week; we can rule him out. We can just re-evaluate him next week.''

Converted tackle Oneil Cousins will start against Miami on Sunday.

The Browns placed guard Jason Pinkston (high ankle sprain) on designated-to-return injured reserve earlier this week. He will have to sit out the first eight games.

“I think from where he was at his rehab standpoint and healing standpoint, it coincided a little bit more with that designation for the DFRIR,'' Chudzinski said. “It just coincided and it just made sense. He will be returning and around that time, you’re always looking for guys and need guys up front. It allowed us to have an extra spot right now.”

In other injury news:

Defensive lineman Desmond Bryant (back) and Barkevious Mingo (bruised lung) were limited Wednesday.

Chudzinski would not say if Mingo will play Sunday. “We'll wait and see this week,'' he said.

Defensive back Chris Owens (foot) and tight end Jordan Cameron (groin) were full-go, as were wideout Davone Bess (knee), offensive lineman Garrett Gilkey (shoulder), defensive lineman John Hughes (knee) and linebacker Eric Martin (foot).

Miami reported cornerbacks Will Davis (toe) and Jamar Taylor (groin) and backup quarterback Pat Devlin (ankle) did not participate, and tight end Dion Sims was limited.


Indians vs. Orioles: Get game updates and post your comments

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Zach McAllister looks to bounce back from a disappointing outing for Cleveland. The right-hander was tagged for five runs and six hits with four walks over 3 2-3 innings of a 7-2 loss at Detroit on Friday.

Game 139: Indians (73-65) vs. Orioles (73-64)


When: 7:05 p.m.


Where: Progressive Field.


TV/radio: SportsTime Ohio; WTAM AM/1100, WMMS 100.7-FM.


Starters: RHP Miguel Gonzalez (8-7, 4.11) vs. RHP Zach McAllister (7-8, 3.81).


» Box score | MLB scoreboard


» Get updates from the pressbox here


» You can also follow Tweets about the game and post your thoughts in the comments section.





Tribe attendance a downer, but not the end of the world: Cleveland Indians Insider

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Tuesday's attendance of 9,962 was a September low in Progressive Field -- despite the Indians' wild-card hunt.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Long ago, Cleveland declared itself a football town. The city supports its Browns and Ohio State with unwavering faith, preferring pigskin to most anything else in sports.

But the fact that just 9,962 fans attended Tuesday's Indians game against the Baltimore Orioles – the lowest September attendance in the history of Progressive Field – still elicited surprise.

The Tribe is 73-65 after topping the Orioles in a game that few saw in person. Entering Wednesday's game against Baltimore, they were 3.5 games back in the race for a wild-card spot.

They are playing for something, they are in the hunt. Yet, there are still more empty seats in Progressive Field than ever before.

"If you're in the hunt this close, the stands should almost be filled up every night," centerfielder Michael Bourn said. "It's not like we're way out of it. We're right there in the hunt. It's not like we're 15 games out of it right now and trying to make some crazy run. We're right there. We're in the thick of things."

Attendance has been a season-long problem, however. Through Wednesday's game, they have drawn 1,341,457 – good for 27th overall and 14th out of 15 teams in the American League. Only Tampa Bay has drawn fewer fans.

Coincidentally, Tampa Bay currently owns the second wild card spot at 76-61.

Cleveland is 7½ games out in the AL Central; the Yankees (2½ back) and Orioles (3 back) are in front of them for the wild card, all chasing the Rays and Oakland.

"I think everybody would rather play to a packed house. It's more fun, more enthusiasm in the ballpark," Tribe manager Terry Francona said. "We also know this city's been hit pretty hard in these times. So I guess the way I view it is the people who come and the people who watch the Indians, I hope they leave happy. That's really how we feel. The people who come are very loyal and I think you also have to recognize that this town has been hit, and you just have to respect that."

Added Bourn: "When you're right there, you expect that other force. But we got the force in the dugout, so we're good."

Bourn prediction: Wednesday's game is the last in a nine-game stretch against Atlanta, Detroit and Baltimore – all teams that are either playoff-bound or contenders.

Before the stretch began, Bourn said the Indians would find out what kind of team they are. Heading into Wednesday's game, they were 2-6. But that might not be as dismal as you think.

"I feel like every game we've played, we've been in every last one of them," Bourn said. "That tells me that we have a good team. It's not like it's a fluke. Like, 'OK, they were playing good for a while, but then they fell out.' No, we're pretty good. We just have to continue to do that -- take one day at a time."

The largest run differential in that stretch came in two five-run losses to Detroit (7-2 on Aug. 30 and 10-5 on Aug. 31) and a 7-2 loss to Baltimore on Monday.

"It's about the intensity we've had each game and the focus we have to play each game at this time of the year," Bourn said. "It's more of a focus and it's a different kind of baseball right now. Even the weather has changed. That's just how it is at this time. You have to play hard. Right now, if we get there, we'll be battle-tested. Every game means something to us right now."

In the Tribe's final 23 games, only six will be against a club with a winning record (Kansas City).

Briefly: On Sunday, the Indians will face Daisuke Matsuzaka with the Mets. Matsuzaka spent most of this year with the Indians at Class AAA Columbus before asking for a for his release in August. The Mets quickly signed him. ... Jason Kipnis and Carlos Santana are tied for the team lead with 17 homers each. ... Departed Mark Reynolds had 15. ... When the Indians released Reynolds, he was hitting .215 (72-for-384) with 15 homers and 48 RBI. He was also in an 16-for-103 slump (.155). The streaky Reynolds, since being signed by the Yankees, is hitting .265 (13-for-49) with three doubles, two homers and eight RBI. ... With the Indians offense struggling, Chris Perez has not had a save since Aug. 25. ... Bourn is hitting .206 (26-for-126) since Aug. 1.

Plans for use of Vinnie Pestano still not solidified: Cleveland Indians Chatter

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The reliever who was recalled from Triple-A Columbus won't be the regular set-up man as he was before he was sent down from the Indians.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Seen and heard at Progressive Field.

Pestano plans: Set-up man Vinnie Pestano is back in Cleveland after about a month in Triple-A Columbus, but manager Terry Francona still isn't sure how he's going to use the inconsistent right-hander.

Much of it depends on the situation of the game – the inning, the batters he might face and whether he might gain confidence from the outing.

"It'd be nice to use this month to help us win games and get him back to feeling good about himself," Francona said

Pestano was 1-2 with a 4.05 ERA in 45 games for the Tribe before he was sent to Columbus. With the Clippers, he had a 3.29 ERA in 13.2 innings.

Quote of the day: Francona on whether young flame-throwing Danny Salazar will have any limitations on how often he can pitch next season: "Not much. He'll be raring to go."

Stat of the day: Including one more caught stealing Tuesday, catcher Yan Gomes now has thrown out 48 percent (13-for-27) of runners he's faced this year.

Cleveland Indians will likely be looking for a new closer next year as Chris Perez is in his final weeks with the Tribe: Terry Pluto

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With a $7.3 million salary this season and a raise expected in 2014, Chris Perez is likely to be traded as the Tribe will look for a new closer.

CLEVELAND -- The Indians will have a new closer next season.

You know it. I know it. Chris Perez knows it.

Perez is not a free agent, with one more year before entering the market for the 2015 season. But the Tribe is paying him $7.3 million this season, and he may earn close to $9 million next year.

The arbitration system works like that, where a player seldom receives a pay cut.

While Perez is not having an All-Star season (as he did in 2011 and 2012), he had a 1-2-3 save in the ninth inning of Wednesday's 6-4 victory over the Orioles. He has a 5-2 record and a 3.59 ERA. He is 22-of-25 (88 percent) in saves.

I often receive emails that Perez pads his save total by protecting three-run leads, that he struggles in one-run games. Well, he's 8-of-10 in one-run saves this season, 20-of-23 in the last two seasons.

While he's still a solid closer, he won't be here in 2014.

The Tribe tested his trade market a year ago, and found it was iffy. They decided to keep him -- even at $7.3 million -- rather than turn the job over to Vinnie Pestano. It was a wise move, because Pestano had arm issues and ended up at Class AAA Columbus for about six weeks.

At times, Perez has made life harder than needed. The latest example was his arrest and misdemeanor conviction for marijuana possession. He said some dumb things about fans, and complained a few times about being booed. Yes, millionaire ballplayers have feelings, but it comes off as whining when they rip the paying customers after their own poor performance.

He also seemed to blame former manager Manny Acta for everything that was wrong the Tribe in the previous two seasons. While no one will call Acta an elite manager, he did an excellent job handling the bullpen and Perez had his best seasons for that man.

Maturity remains an issue for Perez, who can either learn a lot from this troubled season -- or repeat some of his same poor decisions. He also has dealt with some minor arm problems this season. His average fastball is 92.6 mph, the lowest in his five-year Tribe career.

Everything from salary to attitude to effectiveness will lead the Indians to look to deal Perez again after the season.

As for the rest of the season and the wild-card push, it's in the best interests of Perez to pitch well. A September collapse doesn't help his future contract status or make him more attractive to a contending team.

In the meantime, the Indians need to find a way to win now and look at bullpen possibilities for next season. Consider that Joe Smith (18-11, 2.82 ERA in five years with the Tribe) is headed to free agency. Hard to know if he will re-sign here. Pestano has to prove he is healthy.

So who closes?

The best candidate may be Cody Allen, who is 5-1 with a 2.40 ERA this season. His ERA is 1.69 since August 1.

Carlos Carrasco should have a key role in the bullpen. He's thrown 10 1/3 innings of scoreless relief since being taken out of the rotation. Both guys have the 95-97 mph fastball needed to close. The question will be which one can handle the pressure.

The Tribe will need more arms in relief, as Matt Albers and Smith are free agents. They have candidates in strong arms such as Blake Wood, C.C. Lee, Bryan Shaw and others.

Some fans don't like Perez because his saves aren't easy and clean. Of course, they said the same about Bob Wickman, who converted an excellent 88 percent of his opportunities. And they didn't like Joe Borowski (Now he was hard to watch!).

Keep in mind that Jensen Lewis led the Tribe with a mere 13 saves in 2008. The over-paid and under-achieving Kerry Wood had the most with 20 in 2009.

Perez has 96 saves in the last three seasons. He has been one of the best closers in team history.

But next year, they will need a new closer because the door is being shut on the days of Perez with the Tribe.

Urban Meyer says C.J. Barnett will play, unsure if Bradley Roby will start: Ohio State quick hits

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Urban Meyer met with the media Wednesday evening in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center to provide mid-week updates, some of which answered important personnel questions for the Buckeyes.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Urban Meyer met with the media Wednesday evening in the Woody Hayes Athletic Center to provide mid-week updates. 

Perhaps the most influential update was that senior strong safety C.J. Barnett, who missed Ohio State's season opener with an ankle sprain, will start in the No. 3-ranked Buckeyes' game against San Diego State on Saturday at 3:30 p.m. in Ohio Stadium.

Following are more updates from Ohio State's head coach.

• Meyer said starting right tackle Taylor Decker was OK in his first start, but made it clear that there is plenty of room to improve. Decker, who made his first career start last weekend in Ohio State's 40-20 win over Buffalo, clearly struggled against Bulls standout linebacker Khalil Mack.

• No decision has been made on whether cornerback Bradley Roby will start Saturday. Roby missed Ohio State's opener while serving a one-game suspension for being involved in an altercation in a Bloomington, Ind., bar in late July.

• After rushing for a career-high 162 yards and two touchdowns last weekend, senior running back Jordan Hall will once again get the start. Meyer is unsure who will back Hall up, but junior Rod Smith – who missed last week's game to serve a one-game suspension – will start on special teams. He'll likely be available in the backfield for the Buckeyes. 

• Center Corey Linsley, who played less than 20 snaps last weekend, will again be limited against the Aztecs. Linsley is still recovering from a foot injury that nagged him throughout fall camp, so the Buckeyes are approaching his playing time with precaution. 


Former Cleveland Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar attends Bernie Beer launch party at Market Garden Brewery

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Former Browns quarterback remains beloved in Cleveland. Wednesday, he showed up at Market Garden Brewery in Cleveland's Ohio City neighborhood to help launch a beer named after him - Bernie Beer.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Former Browns quarterback Bernie Kosar has been retired for 17 years, but he’s royalty in Cleveland. Wednesday night at Market Garden Brewery, fans lined up to meet the man who was hawking a beer in his name.

Simply and aptly named, the amber ale Bernie Beer was tapped at Market Garden, just four days before the first full opening of the NFL season on Sunday.

The beer is a collaborative effort between the brewery and Heinen’s beer and wine buyer Ed Thompkins. It is available on draft at Market Garden, 1947 W. 25th St., and next week at Heinen’s. Brewmaster Andy Tveekrem’s balanced creation yields just enough hops to give a smooth burst of flavor while not turning it into a screaming India Pale Ale. The ale, which is about 5.5 to 6 percent alcohol, even looks special on the brewpub’s board, with chalk lines forming a gridiron and a “19” etched in a football.

Kosar mingled comfortably amid beer aficionados and Browns fans – many wearing “19” jerseys and some adorned with brown and orange necklaces - talking about beer, football and memories.

Kosar, who played in the NFL from 1985 to 1996, said he has learned about beer over the last few years but admits he's “not a beer connoisseur.”

bernie board.JPGView full sizeBernie Beer, on tap at Market Garden Brewery in Cleveland's Ohio City.
It wasn’t football or beer that Kosar wanted to talk about at first. It was Bernie Beer’s charitable component. Some of the proceeds from sales will go to the non-profit Play It Forward Foundation, which promotes charitable acts of kindness.

“That’s pretty awesome,” Kosar said.

“When I came here in 1985, it was really different,” he said of the city for which he embraces a role as a de facto ambassador. “I’m proud to be from here.”

He wasn’t alone in his pride Wednesday. Rob Stipe, 37, of Amherst – a Dawg Pound regular who sported a Browns jersey with “Big R” on the back - was one of dozens of fans who waited for Kosar’s autograph.

“I’ve been a lifelong Browns fan,” said Stipe, who has gotten autographs from Kosar before, including having the quarterback sign a football card as he was leaving after his final game as a Brown. “He’s a hard-working dude.”

Sam McNulty, one of the owners of Market Garden, couldn’t have been happier with the turnout, which culminated the planning and creation of Bernie Beer.

“I’m just glad Ed [Thompkins] introduced us,” he said as he sipped a pint. “It was a bromance. About five high-fives into it, we had all the details about it. Coming at the start of the season, the fall in Cleveland coming -- what better way to capture the spirit of Cleveland.”

Kosar weighed in on football topics, too:

bernie beer.JPGBernie Beer is an amber ale, in the moderate 5.5 to 6 percent alcohol range.
On the Browns season: “I think everybody makes a big deal about the first game. With the Dolphins … in the preseason, they struggled on the road. That can hurt them. For a young team [like the Browns] it’s important to start on a positive note, stay positive, keep the dominoes falling. If we get by this game, we could go 9-7 – definitely within the realm of possibility.”

On returning quarterback Brandon Weeden: “This offense is perfect for Brandon. If Brandon could dream up what’s best for him this is it. … It’s definitely the system to be tailored for him.”

The Ohio-born Kosar turns 50 on Monday, Nov. 25 – the day after Cleveland hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers at FirstEnergy Stadium. And the mention of the rival Steelers brings back a memory for him.

“One of my greatest memories early in my career,” he said. “Beating Pittsburgh, going to Webster Slaughter down the left side in overtime for the win.”

Kosar remains a fixture in Cleveland sports. On July 20, the Arena Football League’s Cleveland Gladiators – for which Kosar is a special adviser – emblazoned the former quarterback’s image on a giveaway T-shirt for fans. More recently, Kosar polarized some people, drawing ire and support with his sharp opinions during color commentating on Browns preseason games. No matter; Cleveland stood in line to say hello Wednesday.

Yan Gomes, Ryan Raburn and a chicken help Cleveland Indians to 6-4 victory over Baltimore

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The chicken watched while Gomes went 3-for-4 with two RBI and Raburn had two RBI in his return from the 15-day disabled list.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Indians manager Terry Francona is willing to accept just about anything in the clubhouse if it produces victories.

Almost anything, that is. He might draw the line at chickens.

"I don't know about farm animals," he said, shaking his head.

He might not have any choice. Not after the Tribe pulled off a 6-4 victory over Baltimore on Wednesday -- the same night the Indians unleashed their chicken.

The chicken – actually a reddish-brown rooster – appeared in the Progressive Field outfield during Indians batting practice, carried out by staff ace Justin Masterson and presented to reliever Cody Allen.

Wearing a tiny cape adorned with a Cleveland "C" and led by a leash, the chicken calmly wandered among pitchers in center field as they shagged fly balls.

The poised bird was a gift for the pitcher who has been nicknamed "Chicken Al" by fellow pitcher Frank Herrmann in spring training.  And after the Tribe's performance against the Orioles that included a four-run first inning, players were talking about the chicken staying for good.

"I tell you what, if we get on a roll, that's going to be our mascot," said outfielder Ryan Raburn, who appeared in his first game since he was activated from the 15-day disabled list Tuesday. "Whoever's the owner of it, we're going to have to keep that sucker. We might have to get him his own locker."

After all, the chicken's good-luck karma helped the Tribe get off to an explosive start against Orioles starter Zach Britton. Singles by Michael Bourn and Jason Kipnis – who reached base on a perfectly laid bunt down the third-base line – set up an RBI single from catcher Yan Gomes.

Two batters later, Raburn rocketed a double to right – in his first game since Aug. 18  while he nursed an Achilles injury -- that scored Kipnis and Gomes. Mike Aviles' RBI single capped the four-run explosion.

Starter Zach McAllister cruised through the first three innings before running into trouble in the fifth. A double, a single and a wild pitch resulted in three runs scored that inning before he was relieved by Bryan Shaw.

Shaw (3-3) contained the Orioles for one crucial inning -- until the Rally Chicken did its work.

In the bottom of the fifth, Gomes' third hit of the game was a double that scored Kipnis and gave the Tribe the cushion it needed.

In all, Gomes was 3-for-4 with a double and to RBI.

The chicken? He's 1-0 in helping the Tribe as it battles in the wild-card race. The Indians are three games back with 23 games remaining. And he also bumped the Tribe's attendance Wednesday evening to 11,523.

Despite the obvious charm of the chicken, Allen – who pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings in relief -- refused, straight-faced, to acknowledge the chicken, even as fellow reliever Rich Hill clucked from a nearby locker. But when pressed, Allen admitted he was impressed with the fowl friend.

"It was very calm, a very calm chicken," Allen said. "It handled itself well."

And although Allen refused to accept any ownership of the chicken, he couldn't deny the good fortune it brought in its unruffled demeanor.

"We score six runs, the chicken might be here tomorrow," Allen said, sighing.

Post-game video: Francona on the lucky chicken


Protecting precious cargo: After 'unacceptable' performance, Ohio State offensive line seeks ways to keep Braxton Miller safe

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Ohio State coach Urban Meyer was less than thrilled with the play of his offensive line last week. Will the group be able to keep Heisman candidate quarterback Braxton Miller upright on Saturday?

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Buckeyes have precious cargo at quarterback.

Braxton Miller steers Ohio State's offensive machine. The five behemoths up front are tasked with dispensing of all oncoming traffic and protecting the Heisman Trophy hopeful behind the wheel.

Last Saturday, after a near-flawless first quarter in which Ohio State mounted a 23-0 lead, Buffalo sacked Miller four times and forced a pair of costly turnovers.

What happened to just cruising along?

"We kind of let our foot off the gas pedal," said right guard Marcus Hall. … "I hate to admit it, but it's the first game of the season and it's hard to keep it going throughout the whole game. But that was the wake-up call we needed."

The travails in the trenches left Ohio State coach Urban Meyer displeased with the offensive line as a unit. When asked what he expects from Miller against San Diego State on Saturday, Meyer first mentioned the necessity for an enhanced shield around the quarterback.

The four sacks did not sit well with the coach. Buffalo also totaled nine tackles for loss.

"That's unacceptable," Meyer said. "Completely unacceptable."

Meyer noted that a couple of the sacks resulted from "pure misses by the offensive line." Right tackle Taylor Decker made his first career start and toiled with trouble. On Ohio State's opening possession of the third quarter, Buffalo linebacker Nick Gilbo shot right past Decker, knocked Miller to the ground and forced a fumble. Decker recovered the football, but the Buckeyes lost nine yards and punted on the ensuing play.

"I thought he did OK," Meyer said of Decker, a 6-foot-7 sophomore. "I wouldn't say he did bad, because he played very well at certain times."

Decker is the only non-senior starter in the group, though center Corey Linsley played only 17 snaps in the opener as he continues his recovery from a foot injury. Meyer said the staff would "be smart" about how often they deploy the Youngstown, Ohio, native this week.

Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack wreaked havoc upon the Ohio State offensive line. A two-time first team All-Mid-American Conference selection, Mack tallied nine tackles, 2.5 sacks and an interception, which he returned for a touchdown.

Meyer said Mack "manhandled" the Ohio State linemen.

"He beat guys that I expect to play very well on our offensive line," Meyer said. "So we have to get [that] fixed."

Miller has seemingly mastered the art of scrambling, often evading defenders and locating an unoccupied route. Against Buffalo, he routinely found himself without time to consider pursuing an open running lane.

The Buckeyes only once called for a designed run for Miller, but after the first three drives -- three scripted series that each resulted in a touchdown -- the dual-threat quarterback appeared to have little time to relax in the pocket. In the end, Miller totaled 77 yards on 17 carries, though he actually gained 108 yards on the ground and lost 31 yards on the four sacks.

"[It was] not near what we expect on offense," Meyer said. "We have to get a lot better."

Buffalo employed a defensive scheme that, at its base, bears some resemblance to the one San Diego State typically uses. Both teams operate with three down linemen and five men in the secondary, though Meyer stressed that the Aztecs function as "a chaos defense that plays really hard."

"We're better suited this week to go against it," Hall said. "We'll have less mistakes."

They will need to, if they want Miller to remain upright and capable of conducting the offense.

"I have the utmost confidence in our offensive line … that they will play much better," Meyer said. "And they have to."

The Buckeyes had no trouble kicking it into high gear. This time around, can they maintain it?

Said linebacker Curtis Grant: "We need to keep our foot on the gas pedal."


Cleveland Browns QB Brandon Weeden on two weeks without Josh Gordon: 'I'm not going to lie, it hurts'

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Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden admits it'll hurt to open the season without Josh Gordon.

BEREA, Ohio -- Reality set in for Brandon Weeden Wednesday when he began game preparations for the Dolphins without his No. 1 deep threat in Josh Gordon.

Gordon is suspended the first two games of the season for testing positive for codeine, which he said was accidentally ingested in cough syrup prescribed to him in February.

"I'm not going to lie -- it hurts,'' said Weeden. "He's a talented player. He's a guy that we're going to rely on for the 14 games after he comes back to be a big emphasis in this offense. But that being said, my confidence in the other guys who are going to step in there is just as high. They're great players, have a lot of ability and they're going to do a lot of things to help us win. It's not an ideal situation, but I've got a lot of confidence in the guys that are taking his spot.''

Coach Rob Chudzinski announced Wednesday that receivers Davone Bess, acquired in a trade with the Dolphins, and second-year pro Travis Benjamin will share playing time in Gordon's place opposite Greg Little during Sunday's opener at FirstEnergy Stadium.

"They'll play a lot,'' said Chudzinski. "We'll rotate those guys quite a bit.''

He said he doesn't envision adjusting the gameplan significantly without Gordon, including next week's visit to the defending Super Bowl champion Ravens.

"We've basically built this in throughout the course of our preparation of knowing that Josh wasn’t going to be here the first couple of games,'' Chudzinski said. "I think we're in fine shape there.''

Chudzinski said he wasn't concerned about having just four receivers on the roster, including second-year pro Josh Cooper. With Benjamin also returning punts, it could put a strain on the corps.

"We'll be okay,'' said Chudzinski. "I've done it before, and we can handle that.''

Gordon, who slipped in and out of the locker room Wednesday without talking to reporters, is permitted to work out in the weight room and attend team meetings during his suspension, but can't practice. The rules are different for Gordon than they were for Joe Haden, who was suspended four games last season for Adderall use.

Gordon's suspension falls under the substance abuse policy, and it's up to the discretion of the club if they want him to participate in team functions. Haden's was under the steroid and related substances policy, which requires a player to leave the premises.

The Browns want to keep a close eye on Gordon, who failed three marijuana tests in college and violated the NFL's substance abuse policy at least one other time to get to this point. Gordon could face possible banishment from the league for a year if he tests positive again, sources have told cleveland.com.

In addition, he was caught going 98 mph in a 60 zone last month and is due in court Sept. 10. So letting him spend his two-week hiatus elsewhere was never really an option.

But there's no denying the loss of Gordon. Last season, he caught 50 passes for a team-high 805 yards and five TDs. The touchdowns were tied for second among rookies with Indianapolis' T.Y. Hilton. He averaged 46 yards on his TD catches, and all went for 20 yards or more.

Gordon finished eighth in the NFL with a 16.1-yard per catch average -- just the kind of deep ball threat Weeden wants in the new downfield scheme. But until Gordon gets back, Weeden will rely on Bess and Benjamin.

"It'll be good,'' said Weeden. "Obviously, Bess coming from Miami, he knows their defensive backs and they know him, so it'll be fun to watch him go to work. Travis, we know what he brings. He can fly and he can do those things to stretch you vertically, so I'm excited. It's a good opportunity for those guys and they won't miss a beat."

The Dolphins have very little preseason film on Bess and Benjamin, who weren't used much in the passing game. Bess, who's battled knee tendinitis the past few weeks, caught only one pass for seven yards, and Benjamin caught three passes for 31 yards.

A sixth-year pro, Bess was the Dolphins' third-down specialist and finished second on the team in both receptions (61) and receiving yards (778) last season. However, he found the end zone only once.

"I played with him for three years and he's a special talent,'' said Dolphins receiver Brian Hartline, a Canton native and former Buckeye, on a conference call Wednesday. "He's got a rare skill set and he busts his butt every single day. Anytime you put those things together, he's very hard to replace. I still see things (on film) he did a year ago that we can use for teaching examples. However you want to feel about that, he's definitely a guy that I'll say was a well-noted loss to say the least.''

But Dolphins coach Joe Philbin said he doesn't consider it a break to not face Gordon.

"Not necessarily,'' Philbin said on a conference call today. "Obviously he's a very, very talented player. But you're never really sure. Until it's Sunday and the ball gets kicked off, you're not sure who exactly is going to play and a lot of things can happen on the first play of the game or the fifth play of the game that would impact a player's ability to play the game.

"I'm sure the Browns are confident in their passing game and I'm sure they're going to be fine without him.''

Weeden is certainly hoping so.

Incredible transformation: Ohio State senior Christian Bryant serves as defense's spark

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Ohio State senior safety Christian Bryan, one of the Buckeyes' eight captains, worked diligently throughout the offseason to improve his game. In Ohio State's season-opening 40-20 win over Buffalo last Saturday, he proved he's grown tremendously as a leader, too.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Christian Bryant has long solidified himself as the biggest hitter on the back end of Ohio State’s defense, but he has been prone to missed tackles.

He is an efficient defender, but he hasn’t had enough interceptions.

And he’s an Ohio State captain, but he is one of eight.

“Christian has a passion for the game and he is a great leader,” redshirt freshman defensive back Tyvis Powell said. “There are no buts about it.”

Bryant has spent the entire offseason working to remove the buts from the positives, and only time will tell if he’ll play the ball better in the air to force more turnovers and if he’ll manage to keep his head up to make proper form tackles.

But through one game this season, Bryant has already proven that he’ll be the physical and emotional backbone of the Buckeyes’ defense.

Bryant is a captain. And yes, it can be argued that naming eight oversaturates the leadership department. But when the Glenville product was alone, surrounded by inexperienced players, he rose to the occasion.

With cornerback Bradley Roby out while serving a one-game suspension, safety C.J. Barnett out with an ankle sprain and linebacker Ryan Shazier stranded on the sideline with cramps, Bryant was the only returning starter – and captain – on the field for a large portion of Ohio State’s 40-20 win over Buffalo last Saturday.

“I actually didn’t notice at all,” Bryant said.

He probably lost himself in the game.

Though the 5-foot-10, 193-pound Bryant was the smallest player on the field, he rose above his teammates. After Ohio State allowed a touchdown drive to the Bulls in the third quarter, Bryant approached every defender that had just come off the field for a quick pep talk.

When he got back on the field, Bryant made sure his teammates were lined up correctly, pointed out changes he noticed in Buffalo’s offense and never hesitated to get in someone’s face.

ohio state michigan christian bryantChristian Bryant spent the entire summer working on ways to improve his game, but the senior captain has naturally progressed into one of Ohio State's most reliable leaders.

And he made plays. Bryant was named Ohio State’s defensive player of the week after the coaches determined through film review that he made 94 percent of the plays made available to him. 

“He wants to make sure everything is perfect,” Powell said of Bryant. “He’ll make sure you’re in the right area if you need to know something, and he provided the spark for us when we looked like we were kind of down. He brought energy to us.

“With a young team, we came out really energetic, but by the third quarter that kind of died down. With the leadership from Christian, he kind of recognized that. He told us about ourselves and we were able to pull it together and finish the game.”

This was a different Bryant, not the one that would prefer go for the punishing hit downfield and also risk giving up a big play rather than taking the safe – and boring – route to ensure not an extra yard will be gained.

It was just more evidence to his father, Ronnie Bryant, of the personal progression he has seen his son make since Urban Meyer took over the program.

“We were at a mandatory parents meeting with Coach Meyer when he got hired, and the first thing the man said to me was, ‘I am here to make these men accountable,’ ” Ronnie recalled. “He won me over instantly because I am that type of dad. I knew his demand was going to be high, and I knew Christian would respond well to that.”

Here Bryant stands now, one of the eight players on a very deep Ohio State roster to be recognized as someone the entire team can lean on. There’s no telling how Meyer will go about naming the four season captains when the vote is revisited at the end of the season, but Bryant probably had the best start.

Still, Bryant is excited to welcome Barnett and Roby back to the lineup this week, especially because that won’t have any effect on the way he approaches the game.

“I am trying to be one of those guys who can lead our defense and the team,” Bryant said. “It’s such a big role that I have to step into this season, just being one of those veterans showing some of the young guys the way of playing the game.”

As for the eight captains thing? No biggie.

“The transformation in Christian has been incredible,” Ronnie Bryant said. “An accomplishment such as being nominated a team captain for The Ohio State Buckeyes is big. It’s overwhelming. It doesn’t matter that there are eight. It didn’t change how anyone feels about the honor.

“Christian has grown, and he deserves it.” 


Cleveland Browns CB Buster Skrine added to injury report with shoulder, Sunday status uncertain

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Skrine was added to the injury report today with a shoulder injury. If he can't play against the Dolphins, the Browns will be thin at the position.

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns cornerback Buster Skrine was added to the injury report today with a shoulder injury, and was limited in practice.

His status for Sunday's opener against the Dolphins won't be known until the Friday injury report comes out about 4 p.m.

Coach Rob Chudzinski was not available, so no details were provided on when Skrine suffered the injury or its seriousness. During the 30 minutes of practice open to the media, Skrine was on the field and practicing without apparent restrictions.

If he can't play or is limited Sunday, it would be a challenge for the Browns. His backup, Chris Owens, has missed most of preseason with a foot injury and is working his way back into football shape. It would also mean a larger role for rookie Leon McFadden, who missed the bulk of camp with a groin injury and took his lumps in the final two preseason games.

The Browns have only four cornerbacks on the roster, including starting left cornerback Joe Haden. The Dolphins have a trio of quality receivers in former Steeler Mike Wallace, Canton native Brian Hartline and Brandon Gibson.

Before Skrine's injury was made public, defensive coordinator Ray Horton said Thursday he's always felt settled at the spot opposite Haden, despite the position being up for grabs in camp.

"First day, it’s just a matter of who takes the first snap at opening kickoff,'' he said. "Right now, we believe we have three starting corners in Haden, Skrine and Christopher Owens that can go out there and compete and have competed in the preseason. Chris is ready to get his first extended action in a while. I’m very happy, very satisfied about the status of our corners.''

He declined to say who would start outside or inside in the nickel.

"We’ll roll all of them through,'' he said. "It just depends on how they line up. We don’t know how coach (offensive coordinator Mike) Sherman decides to put his troops out there and we’ll just go out there and if their guy’s inside, Buster will be inside, Buster will be outside, Joe will be inside, it just depends on how they choose to deploy their troops.''

In other injury news,

* Defensive end Desmond Bryant was limited again with his back spasms and wore extra padding on his back.

* Linebacker Jabaal Sheard was added to the injury report today with an illness, but he participated fully.

* Former Browns cornerback Dimitri Patterson, now with the Dolphins, was added to the report today with an ankle injury.


Windy week made fishing difficult: D'Arcy Egan's Fishing Report

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The windy weather had chased away the majority of the Lake Erie fishermen this week, but the big lake is expected to calm down heading into the weekend. Inland lake anglers are catching lots of panfish and stable weather should boost the bass fishing.

Trish Strauss and Walleye .jpgTrish Strauss of North Coast Charters shows off a pair of walleye caught while casting on a recent western Lake Erie fishing trip.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – A rough and tumble Lake Erie had chased away the majority of fishermen this week, but a forecast of southerly winds and stable weather should bring back the yellow perch and walleye anglers heading into the weekend. Inland lake fishermen are catching lots of bluegill and catfish, crappies are starting to bite again and the bass fishing should improve as the fall season arrives.

Steelhead trout are starting to stage around the Northeast Ohio tributaries of Lake Erie and a very few silver trout have already moved into the rivers. The trout and salmon daily bag limit on Lake Erie and its tributaries was cut from five to two fish on Sept. 1 heading into the cold-weather fishing season.

Lake Erie water temperatures are 73 degrees off of Cleveland and 74 degrees off of Toledo. NOAA has predicted the most intense algal blooms will be in the Maumee Bay region of Western Lake Erie, and will move slightly eastward heading into the weekend.

CLEVELAND AREA

Few anglers were chasing yellow perch this weekend around Cleveland Harbor because of choppy waves and windy weather. The best yellow perch areas had been in 45 feet of water off East 72nd St., and off FirstEnergy Stadium in 40 feet of water. Fair catches were reported midway between the mouth of the Rocky River and the Cleveland Crib in 41 to 42 feet of water.

Yellow perch were also biting earlier in the week in 44 feet of water off Euclid Hospital. The inner harbor fishing has been poor for largemouth and smallmouth bass and rock bass, with a few white bass biting around the fishing piers and breakwalls.

CENTRAL LAKE ERIE

The Geneva and Ashtabula areas had the corner on the best walleye fishing around Central Lake Erie, and the fish have been slowly moving closer to shore. Anglers had been running 14 to 16 miles offshore, but recent catches have been only about 6 to 7 miles offshore in 66 to 68 feet of water on spoons, tandem spinner rigs with nightcrawlers and minnow-style diving plugs.

Steelhead trout are being caught around the breakwalls at the mouth of the Grand River and Conneaut Creek while casting spinners and spoons, or suspending jig-maggot rigs under a float when the waters are calmer.

The yellow perch fishing was improving in about 52 feet of water around the hump about a mile and a half northwest of the mouth of the Grand River, and north of Fairport Harbor. Perch were also biting off Ashtabula in 45 to 47 feet of water, and in 58 to 68 feet of water off Conneaut.

West of Cleveland, the walleye should still be hanging around the inside and the outside of the Lorain Sand Bar, and off Avon Point. Yellow perch had been biting off St. Anthony’s on the east side of Lorain in 36 feet of water and between Vermilion and Huron in 36 feet of water.

WESTERN LAKE ERIE

Walleye fishermen have been casting and trolling around Northwest Reef near the Ohio-Ontario border west of the Bass Islands and southeast of Pelee Island in Ontario waters. A few walleye have been caught in 10 to 15 feet of water around Gull Shoal and Kelleys Island Shoal.

The yellow perch fishing has been fair west of Rattlesnake and Green islands, although most have been smaller perch. Some good perch catches were reported east of the Cedar Point dumping grounds and north of the Huron River.

INLAND LAKES AND RESERVOIRS

Berlin Reservoir water levels are down more than four feet and the fishing has been difficult. A few walleye have been caught trolling small diving plugs in deeper waters between Rt. 224 and the railroad bridge.

The bass fishing has been good around the Portage Lakes, with East and Turkeyfoot lakes rated best. Anglers are targeting shoreline structure with shallow-running diving plugs and plastic worms, lizards and creature baits. The crappie are starting bite around the docks in East Reservoir on minnows suspended under a float, and bluegill and catfish are still biting. Redear sunfish are being caught around the south end of Turkeyfoot Lake.

Mogadore and Mosquito reservoirs have been good for bass and crappie. The Cleveland Metroparks lakes have been good for bluegill and catfish, and bass are being caught at Wallace Lake. The saugeye bite is beginning on Clendening and Piedmont lakes. Muskies had been caught in fair numbers around West Branch Reservoir.

RIVERS AND STREAMS

Steelhead trout are starting to stage around the mouths of the Rocky, Chagrin and Grand rivers and Conneaut Creek, but only a few have moved up the Ohio rivers and streams. Some catfish and smallmouth bass are being caught in the lower stretches of the rivers.

FISHING TOURNAMENTS

Nite Bite Muskie Tournament

Leesville Lake

How they finished: 1. Paul Anderson, 42.25 inches; 2. Ray Elkins, 40 inches; Neil Butara, 38.5 inches.

DOG TRIAL RESULTS

All-Breed Hunter’s Trial

Pinecrest Shooting Preserve, New London

All-Age – Flushing: Justin Reznik, Labrador retriever (Lab), Amber. Pointing: Jon Harbert, German shorthaired pointer (GSP), Meadow; Jim Szajna, English pointer (EP), Sam; Jason Bowers, GSP, Cooper.

Gun Dog – Flushing: Dave White, Lab, Thunder; Justin Reznik, Lab, Lily; Bob Shoemaker, Lab, Raven. Pointing: Joe Pitts, EP, Gilbert; Deb Hronek, EP, Jules; Bert Scali, EP, Kate.

Derby – Flushing: Chuck Fashing, Lab, Choc; Jacob Steingraver, Lab, Drake. Pointing: Chuck Fashing, English setter, Chic; Mason Church, GSP, Sarge; Larry Kontokanis, EP, Big Boy.

Puppy – Flushing: Jason Steingraber, Lab, Drake; David Miller, Lab, Taz. Pointing: No awards.


Berlin Reservoir dropping while Mosquito, West Branch water levels still high: Outdoor Notes

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Low lake water levels have fishing in the doldrums this month at Berlin Reservoir.

Gayle Nagy and coho salmon.jpgLocal angler Gayle Nagy caught a 15-pound coho salmon in August while fishing with Big Jim'™s Charters in Juneau, Alaska.

CLEVELAND, Ohio – The fishing is in the doldrums at Berlin Reservoir this week as water levels have gone down more than four feet since Aug. 1, even though nearby Mosquito Creek and West Branch reservoirs are still close to full summer pool.

“They’re playing favorites with the lakes that have state park marinas,” said Martha Cobb at Les’s Bait Shop and Marcko Landing on the west side of the 3,590-acre reservoir. “Heavy rains brought up Berlin Lake water levels in the spring, but they’ve been going down ever since.”

Werner Leohlein agrees. The chief of water management for the Pittsburgh Corps of Engineers, which manages the lakes, blames the inequity on the weather. Primarily, said Leohlein, it’s a case of weather variability, a better name for climate change that has been evident around Ohio in recent years.

“The total rainfall at the Berlin Dam since Aug. 1 has been 2.6 inches,” said Leohlein. “At Michael J. Kerwin (West Branch Reservoir) the rainfall has been 4.65 inches. At Mosquito Reservoir it has been 3.4 inches. Those reservoirs may be fairly close to one another, but there has been quite a difference in the amount of rain each lake received.”

Berlin Reservoir is also much larger than the other two lakes. West Branch is 80 square miles in size, Mosquito is 97 square miles and Berlin is 249 square miles. The Corps of Engineers tries to balance the amount of water in each reservoir, but the uneven storm patterns and Berlin’s larger size have worked against it, said Leohlein.

While a four-foot drop at Berlin Reservoir won’t drain the big reservoir, outflow of that magnitude would be devastating for shallow Mosquito Reservoir.

Constant releases are needed from the Berlin Dam to supply water to users downstream and mainstream downstream water quality. While anglers enjoy casting for walleye, the Berlin reservoir was constructed for water control, not recreation.

Leohlein has organized a Sept. 24 meeting with the Ohio EPA, the Berlin Lake Association and interested stakeholders. He said he wants stakeholders to know how much water the Ohio EPA needs to draw from the lake to maintain downstream water quality, and why there is such a disparity in lake levels.

“We’re trying to re-balance the water levels between the reservoirs,” Leohlein said. “The Berlin water levels won’t go up in the coming weeks because of the great risk of having a flood in late fall, winter or spring. Berlin’s summer pool was at an elevation of 1024 feet (above sea level). Right now it is 1019.6, higher than the 30-year average (1018.1) there at this time of year.”

Last year, as drought plagued the region, Berlin Reservoir was at 1010.6 heading into September.

“This whole issue is one of climate variability,” he said. “Weather patterns are very different than 25 years ago. Spring and fall seasons are getting shorter. We had a lot of rain in the first half of 2011, but a drought in 2012. This year the weather was very weird in July and August.”

Hunt, fish film tours: The Fly Fishing Film Tour and the Hunting Film Tour: The Adventure Continues will visit Northeast Ohio on Sept. 26. The Fly Fishing Film Tour stops at the Palace Theater in Canton, featuring 5:30 p.m. exhibits by local fly fishing shops at the movie at 7 p.m. The movie features exotic angling locations from around the world. Tickets are $13 at local fly shops, $15 at the door.

The Hunting Film Tour stops at the Cedar Lee Cinema in Cleveland Heights. A 6:30 p.m. reception is followed by the movie at 7:30 p.m. For tickets, visit huntingfilmtour.com. Hosting the event are Ducks Unlimited, Great Lakes Outdoor Supply and Orvis.

Huron tourney expands: The popular Fish Huron Walleye Tournament on Oct. 5 decided to expand its field from 80 to 100 two-angler teams. Registration opened for the Lake Erie event on Wednesday morning. Tournament director Steve Carlson at South Shore Marine in Huron reported a full field by lunchtime.

Long ride to the scales: Bassmaster’s Bass Pro Shops Northern Open on Lake Erie on Thursday through Saturday will feature many of the country’s top pro bass anglers, but watching the final day weigh-in will require a long ride to the scales. The weigh-ins for the Thursday and Friday competition begin at 3 p.m. at Sandusky’s Shelby Street Launch Ramp. On Saturday, however, bass anglers and fans will have to make the long trip to the Bass Pro Shops store in Rossford, south of Toledo, for the final day weigh-in at 4:15 p.m.

Fremont dam, reservoir: Fremont City Council turned down officials who wanted to ban gas engines on the city’s new reservoir by a 5-2 vote. The city is still completing engineering studies on whether to remove the Ballville Dam on the Sandusky River.

Out and about: The Ohio Division of Wildlife will follow the example of other state agencies and feature advertising in its 2014 Fishing Regulations booklet ... A survey by the Archery Trade Association reports there are about 18.9 million archers in the U.S., with 75 percent using compound bows for hunting or target archery and 29 percent using crossbows ... A survey by Responsive Management showed 79 percent of Americans approved of hunting, up five percent from 2011.

Will Nebraska challenge Ohio State, Michigan for Big Ten dominance in the long run? (poll)

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Big Ten standings since Penn State joined the league show Ohio State at the top, followed by Michigan and Penn State. Where will Nebraska fit in over the long run?

CLEVELAND, Ohio - This week's college football polls include five Big Ten teams, with Ohio State near the top nationally and four others - Michigan, Nebraska, Northwestern and Wisconsin - bunched in the lower portions of the Top 25.

In a way, the current rankings by both the Associated Press and the coaches reflect what has happened in the Big Ten since Penn State joined the league in 1993.

Overall, Ohio State has had the best league mark (124-35-1), followed by Michigan, Penn State and Wisconsin, as shown by the standings below.

Penn State, the records say, settled in over time below both the traditional Big Two - Ohio State and Michigan.

This raises the question: how will Nebraska do over time? Are the Cornhuskers capable in the long-run, say 10 years or more, of challenging Ohio State and Michigan for the top of the Big Ten?

Or will Nebraska be more like a Penn State, a Wisconsin, an Iowa or a Michigan State? They've all had good seasons, but just haven't won as many games as OSU and UM.

These standings reflect 20 seasons of football. Go deeper into the Big Ten past, with reviews of all-time records, records since Michigan State joined the league in 1953 and year-by-year standings with our Big Ten record and standings database at cleveland.com/datacentral.

Buckeye Numbers is a weekly feature from cleveland.com focusing on stats involving Ohio State football.

Records since Penn State joined the league in 1993

Big Ten Games Overall
W L T Pct. W L T Pct.
Ohio State 124 35 1 0.778 200 51 1 0.796
Nebraska 12 4 0 0.750 19 8 0 0.704
Michigan 109 51 0 0.681 172 77 0 0.691
Penn State 102 58 0 0.638 171 76 0 0.692
Wisconsin 96 61 3 0.609 174 77 4 0.690
Iowa 81 78 1 0.509 138 105 1 0.568
Michigan State 80 79 1 0.503 135 109 1 0.553
Purdue 72 85 3 0.459 121 119 3 0.504
Northwestern 70 90 0 0.438 119 122 1 0.494
Illinois 51 108 1 0.322 91 143 1 0.389
Minnesota 50 110 0 0.313 104 136 0 0.433
Indiana 36 124 0 0.225 78 153 0 0.338

Notes: The league records are for the regular season, and do not include the league championship game. The records also still include the original results of games later vacated by the NCAA. Including non-conference games, the NCAA vacated 12 wins for Ohio State in 2010 and 112 wins for Penn State from 1998 through 2011.


Video: Travis Benjamin's triple role in Sunday's game - Cleveland Browns Berea report

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Watch as Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed discuss the news from the Cleveland Browns practice on Thursday in Berea.

BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns beat writers Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed recap what happened during practice Thursday in Berea.

Topics include: Travis Benjamin will be returning both kickoffs and punts, along with helping to fill in for Josh Gordon who is suspended for two games.  Barkevious Mingo is likely not to play Sunday because he is still limited in practice with his bruised lung.  Billy Winn will see plenty of action at right end with Desmond Bryant still limited with back spasms.  Chris Ogbonnaya's expanded role as fullback.

Follow on Twitter: @CLEvideos


Cleveland Browns WR Travis Benjamin expects to return kickoffs vs. Miami

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Browns receiver Travis Benjamin will be busy against the Dolphins, possibly returning kickoffs as well as punts, and subbing for suspended wideout Josh Gordon. Watch video

BEREA, Ohio -- Travis Benjamin is prepared for triple duty against the Dolphins.

The Browns' second-year receiver revealed Thursday that he expects to return kickoffs in addition to his punt return chores and sharing time with receiver Davone Bess in place of Josh Gordon.

"I don't know about the opening kick, but hopefully I'll be back there,'' said Benjamin. "Right now we're going through the schemes of the kickoff the Dolphins have. It depends on what they come out with.''

Johnson Bademosi is listed first on the depth chart at kick returner, but coach Rob Chudzinski said Benjamin and Buster Skrine, who was added to the injury report Thursday with a shoulder injury and was limited, can also handle the chore. New running backs Bobby Rainey and Dennis Johnson have also been working there.

"I'm in great shape,'' said Benjamin, a diminutive 5-10, 175. "I know I can return kickoffs, punts and play offense. I'm just ready to go out there and play.''

He said he didn't know if he'd be the first man up on kickoff returns. He returned a punt 91 yards for a TD in preseason and took one back a team-record 93 yards last season.

"It's really not a first-team (thing),'' he said. "It's kind of a scheme thing, knowing how they kick the ball, where the placement of the ball is. We'll just go in there and figure out what type of scheme they're in and we'll just rotate in.''

He said the three-pronged role is not too much for him, and that he doesn't let his size be a factor.

"I've done it plenty of times before,'' he said.

As a senior at the University of Miami, Benjamin returned 25 kickoffs for 592 yards and a 23.7-yard average. He returned 11 punts for 121 yards that year and caught 41 passes for 609 yards and three touchdowns.

The Browns kept Benjamin largely off the grid during preseason, but they'll be counting on him and Bess to make the kind of big plays that Gordon would make if he weren't suspended two games.

"They have to,'' said offensive coordinator Norv Turner. "We've worked on all the things that we’re going to do with them and they’ve been practicing at a high level. It's been great to have Davone back. He not only missed those games, he missed quite a bit of practice. He's a veteran player, he can handle it. It's still making sure he’s on the same page with Brandon (Weeden). Those guys just have to step up and make the plays that are there for them.''

Benjamin, one of the two fastest Browns along with Skrine, said he doesn't think any of the Dolphins' corners could beat him in a footrace.

"I wouldn't say that,'' he said. "(But) they have some pretty quick guys and it's all about technique and all about the little things.''

He said he and Bess are excited to fill in for Gordon.

"Yes, it's kind of the 'next man up' mentality,'' he said. "We know when the ball comes our way, just take advantage of the opportunity. Josh is a great player. He's a big target for us. We just have to get him out of the gameplan and me and Davone have to be the next man up to go and play well.''

He said it's not imperative to hit a big play early.

"No, not really,'' he said. "We don't want to play into their advantage. We just want to go out there and play our football, whether it's a deep one early, late or in the middle.''

He said he's most improved in route-running since his rookie year, when he caught 18 balls for 298 yards and two TDs, including a long of 69.

"(It's) getting in and out of my breaks because of my speed and going out there and keeping my advantage on the field,'' he said.


Akron Zips football gameday: vs. James Madison

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A big game awaits the Akron Zips as they look to get that first victory of the season in the home opener vs. James Madison University.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A preview look at this week's matchup for the Zips.

Akron (0-1) vs. James Madison (1-0)

Kickoff: 6 p.m. InfoCision Stadium

Radio: WARF AM/1350

Outlook: A big home opener for the Zips as they look to notch that first victory of the season. Sophomore quarterback Kyle Pohl was held to a conservative game plan by the coaching staff in a 38-7 season-opening loss at Central Florida.

That should not be the case against the Dukes, a dangerous Football Championship Subdivision (formerly IAA) team that is an annual playoff contender. After FCS teams notched seven upsets around the country the opening week of the season, don't expect the Zips to look past this team.

The Dukes haven't had many victories over Football Bowl Subdivision (formerly IA) teams, but the few they have are choice, including upsets over Virginia Tech and Virginia, and two wins over Navy.

Meanwhile, as recently as two seasons ago, Akron lost to FCS Gardner-Webb, one of the many low points in what has been three straight 1-11 seasons.

In the second year of the Terry Bowden era, this becomes a red-letter game. While a victory would not signal the Zips have turned the corner, a loss in the minds of a dwindling fan base would be devastating in Akron's rebuilding process.

Akron spotlight: Areas for improvement abound after the loss to UCF. On the coaching side, look for Bowden and Co. to open the playbook and sling the football all over the lot.

That puts the focus on sophomore Pohl (16 of 21, 98 yards 0 TD, 1 INT) who is due for a breakout performance, or could see his tenure as the starting QB ended in favor of backup Nick Hirshman, a transfer from Colorado.

Also, veteran junior tailback Jawon Chisholm (10 yards) needs to snap into form, or he could see freshman D.J. Jones (54 yards) slip into the feature spot. With Conor Hundley (50 yards) solidified at No. 2, Chisholm could drop to third on the depth chart.

Finally, while Akron's receivers are the team's most experienced group, freshmen Fransohn Bickley and Mykel Traylor-Bennett made enough of an early impression to continue seeing playing time.

JMU spotlight: The Dukes are led by veteran coach Mickey Matthews, who has 104 victories and is in his 15th season at JMU. The 38-14 opening victory over Central Connecticut State included a bit of everything.

A strong running game was led by senior tailback Dae'Quan Scott, who rushed for 120 yards, while sophomore quarterback Michael Birdsong was an efficient 10 of 18 for 115 yards with one TD plus two rushing.

The Dukes also a Scott punt return for a touchdown, plus a defensive score on an interception. This is not an overpowering team, but is clearly one that will not beat itself.

Key to success: Pohl or Hirschman have to take command of the offense, and the coaches can't be conservative.

Defensively, Akron's depth and athleticism must emerge, particularly on the defensive line and linebacker. The Dukes don't look to throw the ball over 20-25 times a game unless forced to play from behind.

Did you know: JMU has a strong NFL legacy. Kicker Scott Norwood was an All-Pro with the Buffalo Bills; WR Gary Clark an All-Pro with the Washington Redskins and a member of two Super Bowl teams; and defensive end Charles Haley was the first player to be a member of five Super Bowl championship teams with the 49ers and Cowboys.

Next for Akron: Sat. Sept 14 at Michigan.

Cleveland Cavaliers Tristan Thompson helps Canada to 89-67 victory in FIBA Americas game against Mexico

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Cavaliers forward Tristan Thompson leads the 3-1 Canadian team in rebounding, averaging 8.8 a game in the FIBA Americas Championship.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Cavs forward Tristan Thompson had seven points and 12 rebounds to help Canada improve to 3-1 with an 89-67 victory over Mexico in the FIBA Americas Championship on Thursday in Caracas, Venezuela.

Thompson leads the Canadians with 8.8 rebounds per game and is third in scoring, averaging 11.8 points.

Meanwhile, in Slovenia, rookie Sergey Karasev had 10 points and seven rebounds as Russia lost to Greece, 80-71, and fell to 0-2 in EuroBasket.

The top four teams from the 10-team FIBA Americas tournament and the top six teams from the 24-team EuroBasket will qualify for the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain.

Charge coach: Two NBA sources have confirmed that Steve Hetzel, former Cavaliers video coordinator, will be hired to coach the Cavs' owned-and-operated NBA Development League team, the Canton Charge. The hire was first reported by the News-Herald.

Hetzel, a 2005 graduate of Michigan State where he served as a student manager for the men's basketball team, was named the Cavs' video coordinator in July, 2006. He stayed until 2009, when he left to join former Cavs assistant John Kuester's staff with the Detroit Pistons. After Kuester was fired, Hetzel remained with Lawrence Frank for two seasons.

Hetzel replaces D-League coach of the year Alex Jensen, who left the Charge to join Tyrone Corbin's staff in Utah.

Charge tryout: The Charge have announced an open tryout on Sept. 28-29 at the Canton McKinley Memorial Field House. The tryouts will run from 4-6 p.m. on Sept. 28 and 9-11 a.m. on Sept. 29. Participants must be available to take part in all sessions on both days.

Applicants must be eligible to play in the NBA D-League and should preregister by Sept. 27 by submitting the official registration form and $150. The fee increases to $200 on the day of the tryouts. More information and the registration forms are available at CantonCharge.com/tryouts or at the Charge office at the Canton Memorial Civic Center, 1101 Market Ave. North.

North Olmsted QB Bradley Novak wins Week 1 Game Balls contest for 2013 season

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CLEVELAND, Ohio – North Olmsted quarterback Bradley Novak won this season’s first cleveland.com Game Balls contest for his performance last Friday against Valley Forge. Novak, a senior who accounted for four touchdowns in the Eagles’ 30-23 win, received a whopping 5,513 online votes. The runner-up is Lutheran West tailback Adam Felten (4,491 votes).

CLEVELAND, Ohio – North Olmsted quarterback Bradley Novak won this season’s first cleveland.com Game Balls contest for his performance last Friday against Valley Forge.

Novak, a senior who accounted for four touchdowns in the Eagles’ 30-23 win, received a whopping 5,513 online votes. The runner-up is Lutheran West tailback Adam Felten (4,491 votes).

The full results are below.

Check cleveland.com/hssports every Friday night for a new Game Balls poll featuring the night’s top performers.

Week 1 results:

Bradley Novak, North Olmsted (5,513 votes)

Adam Felten, Lutheran West(4,491 votes)

Carlo Milano, Brecksville-Broadview Heights (403 votes)

Demarcus Sanders, John Hay(158 votes)

Cody Callaway, Midview (51 votes)

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