The MAC and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission land the NCAA Wrestling Championships for Cleveland in 2018.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Who said the sport of wrestling was on its last legs? Not around Northeast Ohio. The NCAA announced Wednesday that the 2018 Division I Wrestling Championships will be coming to Cleveland's Quicken Loans Arena.

The sport, originally denied a spot in the upcoming Olympic Games, came off the mat and was reinstated. Now the Mid-American Conference and the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission have joined hands to host the national collegiate championships.

Locally, both Cleveland State and Kent State have histories with strong wrestling programs. Having the championships in town should be a boost to their programs, as well as sparking attendance.

In a release, MAC Commissioner Jon Steinbrecher said; "Securing this championship was a priority for the conference office. Wrestling is a very important sport and we expect this will assist us in placing a spotlight on the very fine wrestling in the Mid-American Conference. The MAC is proud of its long-standing and strong partnership with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Quicken Loans Arena. It is through these collaborative efforts that we can attract and host these major events."

Last season the MAC had 11 All-Americans and 40 wrestlers seeded in the 2013 NCAA Championships, which was the best overall performance in the history of the league.

The MAC is one of fewer than a dozen conferences in the NCAA that still sponsors wrestling, but only six of the 12 core MAC members sponsor the sport. Of the six MAC schools in Ohio, only KSU and Ohio University sponsor wrestling. There are also three affiliate MAC members; Northern Iowa, Missouri and Old Dominion.

Cleveland, which is one of the few cities around the country with a vibrant high school wrestling community, is no stranger to hosting NCAA events. The 2007 Women's basketball Final Four and 2011 men's second and third rounds were held in Cleveland.

The MAC will host the 2015 NCAA men's basketball regional, March 26, 28, also at The Q.

"The opportunity to host one of the NCAA's signature championships is an exciting and impactful development,'' Greater Cleveland Sports Commission President and CEO David Gilbert said in the same release. "The NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships will infuse an estimated $15 to $20 million of economic activity into Greater Cleveland and showcase Cleveland's vibrant downtown to tens of thousands of athletes, fans, parents and coaches. This is a significant announcement in the continued quest to make Cleveland the premier destination for sporting events in the country."

The Sports Commission also announced that Cleveland will host the 2017 Division III Outdoor men and women's track championships at Spire Institute in Geneva, and the 2018 Division III Wrestling Championships at Public Auditorium.

Here are what podcasts from Cleveland are saying about the Cavaliers and Indians. Featured today are WFNY Podcast, MTAF Podcast and Wahoo's on First.

Here are what podcasts from Cleveland and around the country are saying about the Browns, Cavaliers and Indians.

Is Kyrie Irving the next Steve Francis? (Thomas Ondrey/The Plain Dealer)

Robinson Cano (AP Photo/Kathy Willens)

Website ranks Ward the second-best overall safety and his opponent passer rating is 10th best at his position.

BEREA, Ohio – Lost in the stir created by T.J. Ward’s low hit on Rob Gronkowski was the impact the New England tight end had on Sunday’s game prior his third-quarter injury.

It was minimal -- one catch for 11 yards.

Although the Browns’ safety feels bad that his legal shoulder-to-knee contact ended Gronkowski’s season, Ward’s proud of his effort in neutralizing the two-time Pro Bowler. He also hopes it gives his detractors an appreciation for his pass-coverage abilities.

“I knew this was going to be one of my biggest challenges of the year,” said Ward, who drew primary coverage on Gronkowski. “The bigger the competition the more I think I rise to that level.”

The 6-6, 265-pound tight end was targeted just five times in the Patriots’ 27-26 win, finishing with two catches and 32 yards before tearing two knee ligaments in his collision with Ward.

The fourth-year Browns safety, a potential unrestricted free agent in March, is best known for his physical nature, especially against the run. Ward is bothered by the perception that his coverage skills are lacking.

“From the day I stepped on an NFL field if you look at my numbers, the times I have been targeted and passes defended I’ve been in the top five of safeties,” Ward said. “That kind of itches me the wrong way when I get that stigma of ‘I can’t cover, I’m only a box safety.’ Numbers speak for themselves, film speaks for itself.

“When I’m out there guys aren’t catching the ball on me all over the field. It is kind of irritating when I get that stigma. When I’m out there all I can do is prove myself as a high-level safety in this league and I do that. I think I do that every week.”

The NFL does not supply official rankings that would measure Ward’s claim. The coaching staff might be privy to such detail, however. The website ProFootballFocus.com rates Ward as the league’s second-best overall safety behind New England’s Devin McCourty. A season ago, Ward was sixth-best, according to the site.

In terms of quarterback passer rating when a ball is thrown into a coverage area, Ward ranks 10th among safeties this season, according to ProFootballFocus. He’s never finished a year in the top-10. Opponents are completing 57.5 percent of their passes this season into his coverage area, placing him 18th, per the website.

Browns cornerback Joe Haden, who arrived in Cleveland along with Ward in 2010, believes the strong safety is playing at a Pro Bowl level. The knock on Ward’s coverage skills, Haden said, is discussed among Browns defensive backs.

“We’re in the same room, so we always talk about that, how people don’t really think T.J. can cover,” Haden said. “His run support is what he’s really good at, but his cover skills are nice. He has some of the best feet on the team. I don’t know why no one is saying he really can cover. I think maybe because his run support is so good, that they don’t really look at his pass coverage.”

Ward and center Alex Mack represent the Browns’ biggest potential free agents. The team's second-leading tackler said he’s given no thought to Sunday being possibly his final home game in Cleveland.

Not surprisingly, Haden wants his best friend on the team re-signed and would tell management such if he were asked. The cornerback, however, won’t walk upstairs in the Berea facility and make demands to general manager Michael Lombardi.

“You’ve got to play your position -- stay in your lane, man,” Haden said. “You get in other people’s lane, you might get ran off the road. So my whole thing is I’m going to do what I’ve got to do. If there’s anything I can do to keep T.J. here, I’d do anything in my power for sure . . .”

Ward has said he wants to remain with the Browns, but realizes there are no certainties or friends on the business side of football.

He doesn’t feel unappreciated having played in a division with star safeties Troy Polamalu and Ed Reed, Ward said, but the Browns’ lack of success has limited his exposure to the average fan.

Ward added that his effort hasn’t changed in a contract year when other teams might be scouting him more closely.

“They are going to see my best whether it’s Game 1, Game 16 or whatever,” he said. “Whatever game it is, whoever I’m playing for, whenever I step on that field it’s 110 percent. That’s what you can expect from me.”

Justin Masterson is willing to listen when the Indians want to talk about a multiyear deal.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – We interrupt this story about Justin Masterson awaiting a mulityear offer from the Indians for this important message: Justin Masterson is not getting traded ... at least not today.

"I called him yesterday and told him, 'Whether you like it or not you're not getting rid of us,'" said manager Terry Francona at the winter meetings on Wednesday. "I said knowing you I doubt if you're reading this. He said, 'You're right, but my mom might. 

"I said tell her you're not going anywhere. I thought it was getting a little out of hand." 

On Monday, the first day of the winter meetings, word spread that the Indians were exploring trade offers for Masterson, their No.1 starter, because of his impending free agency. On Tuesday, GM Chris Antonetti said the organization was merely examining  options and that he hoped to make Masterson an Indian for the “long term.”

Which all sounds fine with Randy Rowley, Masterson's agent, who said his client is willing to listen if the Indians offer his client a multiyear deal to convince him to forgo free agency and stay in Cleveland at the end of the 2014 season.

To do that, an offer has to be made. So far it hasn’t.

“I haven’t heard from them, but that doesn’t alarm me in any way, shape or form,” said Rowley, who just returned from the Dominican Republic with Masterson. “Right now, we’re preparing to go to arbitration on a one-year deal and we’re very comfortable with that.

"If (a multiyear offer) presents itself, we'd be excited to listen."

Masterson’s reported availability has spawned reports that the Yankees and other teams in need of pitching have approached the Indians. When Rowley landed back in the United States on Wednesday, baseball’s hot stove was cracking with Masterson news.

“I don’t think there’s too many teams that wouldn’t like to have him,” said Rowley. “But I take that with a grain of salt. This is the hot stove season.“

Rowley has been studying the free agent pitching market because it will have an influence on any negotiations involving Masterson and a multiyear deal.

“The only thing left unsaid right now is to wait and get a clarification on (Japanese pitcher Masahiro) Tanaka,” said Rowley. “Then we can get a look at some of the guys who come off the board and fit with Masterson.”

Several teams are waiting to see if right-hander Tanaka will be posted by the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles under the new rules recently agreed upon by MLB and Nippon Professional Baseball.

The process could take at least another week, which has slowed the market for top free-agent starters such as Ervin Santana, Matt Garza and Ubaldo Jimenez.

“The market looks like it’s going to be very good,” said Rowley. “We’re in no hurry.”

Rowley said Masterson is taking the buzz about himself in stride.

“This is the farthest thing from his mind,” said Rowley. “His wife, Meryl, is expecting twins. They’re very excited.“

The Cavaliers' big man is back to his role as sixth man, a move he's embraced and thrived in. He's also back to growing a beard he hasn't sported in years.

INDEPENDENCE, Ohio – A long, long time ago -- back when the Cavaliers were playoff regulars -- everything was much the same as it is now for Anderson Varejao.

The 6-foot-11 Brazilian was the Cavaliers' energy-providing sixth man, the agitating big guy off the bench. He was the one who clawed his way to any ball that caromed off the rim, and who played a physical and frenetic brand of defense that coach Mike Brown adored.

And six or seven years ago, Varejao had the same patchy, scruffy growth on his face when he tried to grow a beard for the playoffs. The facial scruff is back now for no apparent reason, and so is Varejao's sixth-man role now that Andrew Bynum has assumed the starting center role.

The beard? Varejao laughs at.

"I still don't know the deal with my beard, but I keep growing it," he chuckled Wednesday. "I don't know why. It's terrible right now."

The sixth-man role, obviously, he takes more seriously. And it's something he's embraced and learned how to thrive in, again, after three seasons as a starter -- three seasons that all were cut short by injury, that is.

On Tuesday, Varejao recorded nine points and seven rebounds against the New York Knicks, and received his usual praise from Brown for his energetic style in the Cavaliers' fourth win in five games.

In that stretch, Varejao is averaging 8.2 points and 9.6 rebounds, including a 17-rebound performance in Cleveland's triumph over the L.A. Clippers.

"I coached Andy for five years, and that's what he did for us," Brown said. "He may come off the bench, but at the end of the day, there's a good chance he's going to be on the floor at the end of the game.

"We feel like we have some pretty good bigs. We feel like we have three starting bigs when you talk about Andy, Tristan (Thompson) and Bynum. Having the luxury with going with the two guys who you think can finish any given game on that particular night is a big thing for us. What Andy is doing does not surprise me at all."

What might be surprising, however, is how well Varejao is shooting. Never known for his offense, his .507 field-goal percentage is second on the team, behind only Tyler Zeller's .522 in limited minutes. And the Cavaliers have come to rely upon his jumper from the elbow.

"I think (former coach) Byron Scott is a big part of that," Varejao said. "The last three years he was telling me to shoot the ball. I was getting comfortable shooting from the elbows. All I'm doing is working on my jump shot, and when I'm open, I'm shooting."

The result is that Varejao, Bynum and Thompson have become a threesome of big men who all provide different ways to score and contribute to the Cavaliers' game.

"Those three guys, they play so doggone hard," Brown said. "They rebound very, very well. They just make us different because they're true bigs, but they can really guard and guard different positions. You talk about Tristan and Andy, they've got some of the best feet in the league when it comes to big guys. And they're long and big and strong and all that other stuff. I just like defensively what they've brought to the table. And also their ability to rebound and what they're able to do scoring wise when they get touches on the low post in the paint."

Varejao, of course, knows what his primary role with the Cavaliers is. He's a sixth man, again, and he is there to provide energy.

"If you're open, (Brown) wants us to shoot the ball," Varejao said. "But I know my role on the team is to set screens and roll. But if I'm open, I'll shoot it."

Varejao knows what role the scruffy growth on his face is meant to provide, as well. It is there for a reason, after all.

"My wife likes it," he said. "So I'll keep it."

Canton assignments: The Cavaliers assigned Henry Sims, Carrick Felix and Sergey Karasev to the Canton Charge on Wednesday so that all could play in the NBA Development League's game against Tulsa.

The three are expected to be recalled and available for the Cavaliers' games in Orlando and Miami this weekend.

Manager Terry Francona seems reluctant to move relievers Cody Allen and Bryan Shaw out of their current roles.

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – It sounds like manager Terry Francona wants a proven closer in the bullpen.

Since Chris Perez was released on Oct. 31, the Indians have talked about Cody Allen and Bryan Shaw as being the leading candidates from the 40-man roster to take the job. On Wednesday, Francona said that might not be the case.

Francona thinks Allen and Shaw have the stuff to close, but said it would be hard to move them out of the roles they held in 2013.

Allen went 6-1 with a 2.43 ERA. His 77 appearances were second most in club history next to Bobby Howry’s 79 in 2005. He averaged 11.3 strikeouts per nine innings, the third highest total in club history for a reliever with more than 65 innings in a season.

“We used him in so many high-leverage situations,” said Francona. “From the sixth inning on, we went to Cody against lefties or righties to snuff out a rally. He was so good at it and I think he would continue to get better.

“It’s hard to lose a guy like that.”

Shaw went 7-3 with a 3.24 ERA in 70 appearances. His slash line was .216/.291/.295 – batting average against, slugging percentage and on base percentage.

“He could do it in the ninth, I have no doubt,” said Francona. “But what he does earlier is valuable. We'll have to see how the winter plays out and then we'll get those guys aligned.”

Closers Fernando Rodney, Grant Balfour, John Axford, Jose Veras and Joaquin Benoit are among the closers still on the open market. The Indians have talked to them all.

“Those guys did an extraordinary job pitching in the roles they had,” said GM Chris Antonetti. “We certainly feel comfortable with them continuing to pitch in the roles they pitched in last year, but we also feel they’re capable of assuming ninth-inning duties if needed.”

Antonetti said Allen and Shaw’s roles would be determined by the construction of the rest of the bullpen.

“We saw last year that bullpen roles evolve as the season goes on,” said Antonetti. “Our job is to build in as many quality options in the pen as we can. That’s what we’ll try to do this winter.”

Step backward? After winning 92 games last season and making the postseason as a wild card, the Indians haven’t done much to improve the team this winter.

They signed outfielder David Murphy to a two-year $12 million deal, but they’ve lost free agents Scott Kazmir and Joe Smith and could lose Ubaldo Jimenez, Matt Albers and Rich Hill.

“I’m hoping last year is kind of a springboard into next year as opposed to a nice little year that ended quicker than we wanted,” said Francona. “It’s going to be hard to do, but if anything our goals are set higher.”

Francona said Antonetti is definitely trying to improve the pitching staff with a starter or reliever because the Indians have to do something to replace the 340 2/3 innings pitched by Kazmir and Jimenez.

“We probably need to supplement our staff somewhere,” said Francona.

Francona said he expects improvement from position players Nick Swisher, Michael Bourn and Asdrubal Cabrera. As for innings, he said getting full seasons from Danny Salazar, Corey Kluber and Zach McAllister would help replace Kazmir and Jimenez.

He added that Carlos Carrasco, Trevor Bauer or Josh Tomlin would be able to help from the fifth spot.

“We know we need to get better, but we have the guys that can do it,” said Francona.

Sidelined: Infielder Jose Ramirez will miss eight to 12 weeks after undergoing reconstructive surgery on his left thumb Wednesday at Cleveland Clinic. It will probably cost him a chance to make the big-league club out of spring training.

Ramirez, a September call-up, injured his thumb sliding into a base on Nov. 22 playing winter ball in the Dominican Republic.

Not enough: The Indians talked to Bartolo Colon’s agents on Tuesday night. They were talking about a one-year deal, but Colon was looking for a two-year contract.

On Wednesday, the Mets signed Colon, 40, to a two-year, $20 million contract. Colon, who broke into the big leagues with the Indians in 1997, won 18 games for the A’s last season.

Finally: Asked if Carlos Santana would continue his third-base experiment in spring training, Francona said it would depend on how he plays in winter ball. Indians infield coach Mike Sarbaugh is going to the Dominican to work with Santana. ... The Rule 5 draft is Thursday morning and the Indians have an open spot on their 40-man roster. They need a reliever and Antonetti said the majority of players who come through the Rule 5 draft and stick in the big leagues are relievers. ... Jamey Carroll has drawn some mild interest from the Indians.

Cleveland.com's Ohio State coverage crew ranked the top 20 players from Ohio State's 2013 season.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio State didn't land in the BCS National Championship game, neither Braxton Miller nor Carlos Hyde made it to New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony, Urban Meyer wasn't the Big Ten Coach of the Year and Ryan Shazier wasn't the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year.

After 24 straight wins, the Buckeyes' season ended with some nots - some expected and some ... not.

Ohio State did have some pretty good players, though. Ten made first- or second-team All-Big Ten. And Miller was the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year.

Once it was all over, Ari, Zack and I met at Chili's, mostly talked about rap, and then went our separate ways and compiled our own lists of the 20 best players from this Ohio State season. What does "best" mean? It could mean a lot of things.

How a guy did his job at his position. What he meant to the team. How much he was, or would have been, missed if he went down. All those things that usually go into a consideration of "best."

Then we put those three rankings together and came up with the final ranking of the 20 best Buckeyes of 2013 that will run, one each day, between Dec. 10 and Dec. 29, the day we arrive in Miami for the first pre-Orange Bowl news conference.

You might think you know how this list will go, at least at the top, but I can tell you we didn't all vote the same guy No. 1. There are 12 offensive players and eight defensive players on our list, which may have changed if Urban Meyer had used kicker Drew Basil a little more.

Decker will play a major role for the 2014 Buckeyes as the only returning starter on the offensive line.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - Our list of the top 20 Buckeyes from the 2013 Ohio State season hits day two with Taylor Decker, after Dontre Wilson opened things at No. 20.

No. 19: Taylor Decker, sophomore right tackle

From: Vandalia, Ohio

Height, weight: 6-foot-7, 315 pounds

Recruiting rating: 4-star, was ranked by Rivals.com as the No. 14 player in Ohio, No. 23 offensive tackle and No. 221 overall prospect in the country in the Class of 2012.

2013 stats: Part of an offensive line that allowed 29 sacks, which ranked 84th in the country, while the line led the way for an OSU rushing attack that gained 242 yards per game, which ranked 10th in the country.

The full top 20 Buckeyes list and explainer

What went right: The sophomore emerged as the winner in the only battle for an open spot on the offensive line, making it clear in the spring he deserved the job and carrying that through. He seemed to consistently get better during the course of the season, gradually gaining more praise from Urban Meyer along the way, who called him one of the most improved players on the team in November. The key was for Decker to not be a weak link as the only underclassmen on a line with four seniors that proved to be the strength of the team. And he wasn't, as Meyer said after the win over Iowa.

Ohio State sophomore right tackle Taylor Decker, left, and WWE wrestler Triple H, rightDoug Lesmerises/WWE.com

“Our offensive line played exceptional. The champions were Marcus Hall, Jack Mewhort and Corey Linsley. Four to five were champions, because (Andrew) Norwell was one of the players of the game. And Taylor Decker received honorable mention. You'll win games if that happens.”

The Buckeyes did. And Decker also got it done in the classroom, one of 19 Ohio State football players named Academic All-Big Ten. Decker and defensive end Noah Spence were the only two full-time starters among the 19.

Proud of @TDeck68 for getting Academic all Big 10. 😊 Athletic and smart! #hesakeeper

— Victoria Langwasser (@VLangwasser) December 12, 2013

What went wrong: Decker got off to a slow start in the opener, but part of that was dealing with Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack, who would prove to be one of the best defensive players in the nation. “I knew that wasn’t me, that’s not how I had been playing and performed in camp and the weeks leading into it,” Decker said later in the season. “It was a tough pill to swallow but I just had to bounce back and recover from it and play the way I could play.”

Defensive line coach Ed Warinner said he knew Decker would be fine after that first game.

View full sizeSophomore Taylor Decker will be the only starter back on the Buckeyes' offensive line next season.Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer

“You have to believe in the decisions you made and you have to believe in the talent you see,” Warinner said in October. “I didn’t have any doubt that at some point he would turn the corner.”

“He's come a long way from that first game,” Meyer said after the third game of the season.”

Decker did turn that corner, but then that turn was almost stopped when he went down with a knee injury against Purdue. Meyer said it looked bad enough in the moment that Warinner looked as if he had been shot. But Decker, diagnosed with a sprained MCL, rested during the bye week and was able to get back on the field without missing a game.

View full sizeTaylor Decker limped off against Purdue but after a bye week, he was OK to start the next game against Illinois.Marvin Fong, The Plain Dealer

Looking at 2014: Decker will be the only returning starter on a line that must be rebuilt. He could be a candidate to switch to left tackle, the more important “blind side” tackle spot. Decker must be a leader on the field and in the meeting room for a group with little experience. Meyer believes that Decker has picked up on what he's going to need to do.

“Taylor Decker starting at right tackle has become an excellent practice player because of what he watches our left tackle do, Jack Mewhort, and the rest of the offensive line,” Meyer said.

Next year, that young line, which will have to come along quickly for the offense to have success, will be watching Decker.

What we've written about Decker

Bryant proved two nights ago at Notre Dame that it could play a big-time opponent close, but No. 3 Ohio State took an early advantage and cruised Wednesday night.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Shannon Scott stole the ball, turned around and launched a pass all the way down the court to Lenzelle Smith Jr., who took two steps, elevated and finished the one-handed slam.

By that point No. 3 Ohio State was just putting on a show.

Bryant proved two nights ago that it could play a big-time opponent close at Notre Dame, but the Buckeyes got out to an early lead over the visiting Bulldogs before cruising in the second half to a 86-48 win in Value City Arena.

It was Smith's night to shine in the scoring column – with this year's Ohio State team, it is someone new every night – and the senior guard led the Buckeyes' with 19 points. Ohio State also got 12 points and nine rebounds from center Amir Williams and nine from freshman Marc Loving.

Ohio State took a 43-23 lead into the half after closing the final 5:45 of the first half on an 8-0 run with scoring contributions from Smith, Scott, Trey McDonald and LaQuinton Ross.

The Buckeyes then opened the second half by scoring the first five points to open a 25-point advantage and never looked back. 

MENTOR, Ohio — Lake Catholic overcame a three-goal deficit against St. Ignatius to tie Wednesday night's game late at 4-4, which is how it ended in overtime.  After a first period filled with solid defensive play on both sides of the ice, the Wildcats struck first with only 20 seconds remaining in the first period when Matty Geither scored...

MENTOR, Ohio — Lake Catholic overcame a three-goal deficit against St. Ignatius to tie Wednesday night's game late at 4-4, which is how it ended in overtime. 

After a first period filled with solid defensive play on both sides of the ice, the Wildcats struck first with only 20 seconds remaining in the first period when Matty Geither scored with assists by Aidan Spellacy and Ethan Whitney. 

St. Ignatius wasted little time in the second period. Less than two minutes into the period, Geither and Whitney again played a part in a Wildcat goal. This time, Geither fed Whitney who scored the Wildcats' second goal.  

Lake Catholic's Alex Piazza got his team on the board off of a pass from Luke Turk with 7:33 left in the second period for the Cougars' first score of the night.

Thirty-eight seconds later, St. Ignatius struck right back as Jack Mazanec found Kevin Yarcusko right in front of the net for a score. 

Mazanec netted a goal of his own with 3:07 left in the second, assisted by Riley Ellis and Brady Wells, to give the Wildcats a 4-1 lead. 

Piazza cut the Wildcats' lead to two with an assisted goal with just a little more than a minute left in the second period. 

With 5:52 left in the game, Lake Catholic made it a one-goal game when Turk scored off of assists by Mac Magruder and Piazza.

With 1:23 remaining, Piazza took a pass from Magruder and broke away with the puck, taking it the distance to tie the game at 4-4. 

Many Lake Catholic fans braved the snow to support their Cougars as well as several St. Ignatius fans who made the trek to Mentor to root on the Wildcats and they made their presence known throughout the game with a myriad of cheers and chants.

The Browns might face Jay Cutler, who's coming off a high ankle sprain.

BEREA, Ohio -- Bears coach Marc Trestman said Wednesday he expects Jay Cutler to return to the starting lineup Sunday against the Browns in their home finale at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Cutler has missed the last four games with a high ankle sprain, and his replacement Josh McCown has gone 3-2 in his absence, including a thrilling 45-28 rout of the Cowboys on Monday Night Football.

In that game, McCown threw four touchdowns and no interceptions for season totals of 13 TDs and only one interception.

“We’ll give him a good, thorough workout,” Trestman told reporters in Chicago. "We'll let you know (Thursday) (on his availability). If things go as planned, that’s where we’ll go. But we did want to work him out one more time today after a few days of him being off.”

Coming off the Monday night game, the Bears' conducted a walk-through Wednesday, but planned to put Cutler through the paces. Trestman said he's been cleared to practice at full speed, but he was listed as limited on the injury report.

“We’ll have receivers there,” Trestman said. “We’ll work him through drops, re-direct him in the pocket, move him up and down and get as much suddenness out of him as we can. We saw that last week. But again, he’s been off for three or four days now. So we want to do it again and make sure that he feels good and we feel good.”

But the former Browns offensive coordinator sounded optimistic.

"As long as we see (what we want) and he feels good, I anticipate we will be moving forward,'' he said.

Coach Rob Chudzinski said he expects Trestman to keep him guessing.

"We're going to be prepared for both,'' he said. "I’m sure they’re not going to announce that and let us know on that. They're both are good fits for the system, and there are similarities between them as players, a few differences. You look at arm strength, that would be one thing that’s different, but as far as to how it relates to what they’re doing with either guy, it doesn’t affect them.”

Trestman also said he's "not optimistic'' that starting weak side linebacker Lance Briggs would be ready to face the Browns. He suffered a fractured shoulder Oct. 20th vs. the Redskins.

Weeden cleared to practice: Quarterback Brandon Weeden (concussion) has been cleared to practice -- but not to play yet -- and was limited. If he comes through the Wednesday session okay, he could be back at the No. 2 behind Jason Campbell against the Bears.

“We’ll see how he practices this week, and then we’ll make that determination,'' said Chudzinski. "Tanney will still get some reps, and then we’ll see later in the week how things progress.''

Greco, McGahee idle: Guard John Greco, who suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his right knee in New England, was idle today, as was running back Willis McGahee, who suffered a concussion against the Patriots. Greco said he suffered the injury on the first play of the game and it got progressively worse. Jason Pinkston is expected to start at left guard in place of Greco and Shawn Lauvao on the right. Pinkston replaced Lauvao for a series in the first quarter, and the two were set to alternate on the right side until Greco went down.

“I thought he did a good job,'' Chudzinski said of Pinkston. "I was impressed with him stepping in. He actually played right (guard) and left (guard) and didn’t miss a beat when he jumped over from one place to the other. He was very competitive in the game. That’s what I noticed just seeing him into the game, and obviously, there’s always some technical things guys can do better and work on and focus on, but that part of it I was impressed with.”

Chudzinski said he's not sure if McGahee's season is over. He may have lost consciousness on the hit.

"We’ll see as the week goes on, what his status is,'' said Chudzinski. "He said he’s feeling better so we’ll just go from there.”

The Browns signed running back Edwin Baker off the Texans' practice squad to replace McGahee.

“He was out in San Diego last year on the practice squad so Norv (Turner) was familiar with him,'' said Chudzinski. "He has good running skills, can move well. Obviously, he has some experience in the terminology in the system. I just met him yesterday, and he’s here and he’ll be practicing today.”

Thomas limited: Ironman Joe Thomas was limited Wednesday with a back injury, but he hasn't missed a snap since being drafted in 2007. Linebacker D'Qwell Jackson was also limited with an ankle injury. The Browns injury report featured eight players who participated fully with various ailments, including Paul Kruger with an elbow issue and T.J. Ward with a shoulder.

Browns wide receiver Josh Gordon finally feels he's worthy of Pro Bowl consideration after his NFL-record 774 yards in past four games.

BEREA, Ohio -- All it took for Josh Gordon to finally believe he belongs in the Pro Bowl conversation was to set the NFL record with 774 yards in the last four games, to break the Browns' single-season receiving record with 1,400 yards and to blow past Detroit's Calvin Johnson for most yards in the NFL this season.

That's not to mention his league-leading 127.4 yards per game and 19.7 per catch, or his NFL-best 24 catches of 20 yards or more.

“Hopefully with the rest of the season -- if the numbers stay where they are and I can do good individually -- yeah, I definitely expect to be there,'' Gordon said of making the all-star squad.

It marked a dramatic departure from the last two times Gordon was asked that question over the past three weeks.

In the days leading up to the Pittsburgh game Nov. 24th, he said, "I think it's too early for that, honestly, but hopefully one day I can reach that goal as well."

The following week, after racking up 237 yards against the Steelers, he still wasn't feeling it.

"I've still got a lot more to prove and if it's going to be, I hope it's an undeniable-type thing and I know I deserved it,'' he said before the Jaguars game Dec. 1. "I don't want it to be just hearsay and build up a hype around it for something that's not true. I definitely want to go out there and prove it.''

How's a club-record 261 yards against the Jaguars for trying to prove it? And if that wasn't evidence enough, his 151 against the Patriots pretty much clinched the deal in his mind. He's also piled up five touchdown passes during his blistering four-game stretch, including an 80-yard catch and run against the Patriots and his league-long 95-yarder against the Jaguars.

Even the undiva-like Gordon had to admit, in his quiet voice, that he's playing right up there with the best of 'em this season. To put it in perspective, his 774 yards in the last four games equal Pro Bowl Larry Fitzgerald's total -- for all 13 games.

"I really think I am, that’s for sure and hopefully I can stay there and keep performing at that level,'' he said.

Browns cornerback Joe Haden, who's faced the best receivers in the NFL the past four seasons, has no doubt in his mind that Gordon -- affectionately known as JG to his teammates -- belongs in the Pro Bowl this year.

"JG? Oh, for sure,'' said Haden. "He's playing on another level right now. He’s doing the right things. He’s making all the plays he has to. I mean 230, 260, 150, there’s nothing else you can say. Nobody else is doing it.”

Fans still haven't caught on, as Gordon hasn't yet cracked the top 10 in fan Pro Bowl voting on NFL.com. Players and coaches vote Dec. 23-26.

What's more Gordon is doing it at the age of 22 -- after getting kicked out of Baylor and Utah and missing his last two years of college ball.

"He can get so much better,'' said Haden. "I hope he knows how good he can get. I try to tell him and I think he's getting it. When he locks in and he comes out there and he goes hard, he just imposes his will basically. He's big, fast, strong, can catch, and when the ball comes his way -- JG's different. He's just different.''

Gordon has bolted up the charts so quickly -- despite missing his first two games -- that Haden now has him ranked right behind Johnson (1,348 yards this season) and alongside Cincinnati's A.J. Green.

"We were talking about it the other day,'' said Haden. "I was like 'JG keeps doing his thing.' I say Calvin is still Calvin, but JG is in the A.J. (range). Calvin and A.J. (and JG) have the same level of dominance because they come out there, they do their thing every week, you have to prepare for A.J., you have to prepare for JG. He just jumps out of the screen, like 'alright, we have to stop 12.' When people start worrying about you and gameplanning for you, that's when you know you're a problem.''

Would Haden venture to describe the second-year pro as elite already?

"Man, he's doing things nobody's done,'' said Haden. "If other receivers were doing this stuff, then other people would be like, 'they're stepping up, they're becoming elite.' I mean, he's just becoming better and better and better. He's still young, he's 22 years old and he's handling it. He's got 1,400 receiving yards (in 11 games). Numbers don't lie.''

Former Browns general manager Tom Heckert, now with the Broncos, deserves credit for taking a chance on Gordon in the 2012 supplemental draft after he has failed three marijuana tests and gotten kicked out of three colleges. Plenty of folks inside and out of the league scoffed when he used a second-round pick in the 2013 draft to land him, but Heckert felt strongly at the time it was worth it and he's been proven right.

"I thought he was a top 10 pick and after spending time with him and speaking to (Baylor coach Art Briles) I liked him even more,'' Heckert said in an email response. "So we wanted to make sure we got him. I would have regretted losing him to another team and didn't want to risk it with a player like Josh. He's a great kid that has made some mistakes but I trusted him when he told me to my face that he would do the right things and he really wanted to come to Cleveland and being a part of the turn around we were trying to accomplish.''

Gordon's 151 yards against the Patriots were even more impressive because they came against premier cornerback Aqib Talib, who's been shutting down top receivers all season.

"I look at (Talib) as one of the best players in the league and he’s been doing a great job covering big, physical, in-your-face (receivers),'' said Haden. "Honestly, you've got to come in there and play JG. You've got to have a really good game. You have to be ready to play him.''

Gordon's 151 yards were also the most against the Patriots this season, and only the third 100-yard receiver they've allowed in 2013. His 80-yard TD against Talib was the longest against them this season, and one of only two TDs of 50 yards or more the Patriots surrendered this year.

"It happens to the best of us, but what I can say?'' said Haden. "You've got to give the credit to JG and not really beat down Talib. It's just a really good day from him and Talib just didn't really have as good of a day.''

Haden knew that Gordon would be off to the races once he caught that little slant and then stiff-armed Talib five yards later. He ran about 70 yards of the 80-yard score.

“Once he didn’t tackle him as soon as he caught it, he got that little touch on him, I was like, ‘Oh yeah, he’s about to run away from this dude for sure,''' said Haden. "That’s a bad feeling when you just can’t catch somebody.”

Gordon's outburst -- which featured a 34-yard run on a reverse and a clutch 19-yard catch on third and 17 on the Browns' final TD drive -- came after Gordon boldly predicted he'd "definitely make more plays'' than Talib.and a 34-yard on a reverse --

"Man, that will give a cornerback a lot of motivation,'' said Haden. "You see stuff like that. I know Talib probably saw it, but that's how (Gordon) felt. If you can talk and go out there and handle, it man, more power to you.''

Has watching Gordon light it up over the past four weeks made Haden glad he doesn't have to cover him?

"No,'' said Haden. "He's doing really, really good but I fear no man.''

Gordon will share the field during Sunday's home finale against the Bears with a pair of 1,000-yard receivers in Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffries.

"He’s similar to Marshall,'' said Haden. "The thing JG has that’s different than all these big receivers is he’s legit fast. He’s 4.3, that’s just something that’s a little different. These big guys are moving, they’re 4.4 and 4.5-low, but JG is legitimately 4.3. So when you can run away from people the way he can, being that big, it puts a whole different thing into the game.''

Marshall, who's had his own brushes with the law and off-field issues, has admired Gordon from afar.

"The thing that I’m most impressed with is you take a kid, I believe had some blemishes on his record, some character issues coming in, seeing him really get it early,'' he said. "That’s what I’m most impressed about. Not the stuff on the field but the things that he’s doing off of it. From a distance, I don’t know what’s going on personally inside of his mind or in his home but what I can see is him maturing right before our eyes, and that’s impressive. My hat goes off to that. We all know what you do off the field affects on it. If he can continue to grow as a man and a teammate, the sky’s the limit for this kid.''

Marshall said his advice to Gordon heading into the offseason is to understand how big the platform and the opportunity is.

"Sometimes we get caught up so much into the limelight and the money and the jewelry and all the women and things like that and we lose focus,'' he said. "Sometimes it’s from an ignorance standpoint where we just don’t know. The advice I would give any kid, a young kid going into the offseason, is really surround yourself with good people and understand that one wrong move, one wrong turn, can lead to disaster. I really like this kid Josh.''

Gordon acknowledged that he's gotten more media attention in recent weeks but that it won't change him.

"Everybody has been supporting me from the beginning and they will always continue to support me and that's pretty much all I'm expecting,'' he said. "Keep being the same person I am, but I don't expect anything greater than what I've gotten."

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio High School Athletic Association has imposed penalties against a handful of local schools that were found to be in violation of the organization's bylaws or sports regulations. 

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- The Ohio High School Athletic Association has imposed penalties against a handful of local schools that were found to be in violation of the organization's bylaws or sports regulations. 

Members of the OHSAA Board of Directors met Dec. 12 to review the cases and hand out their decisions.

Locally, East Tech High School will forfeit one of its two varsity football wins in 2013 because a student-athlete violated an enrollment and attendance bylaw. The forfeiture involves a game in which the ineligible student participated.

East Tech was also fined $150 for failing to obtain a transfer ruling on a student-athlete's participation.

Meanwhile, Lorain High School was found to have allowed a boys varsity basketball player to participate in scrimmages despite that student-athlete violating the transfers bylaw. Because the student-athlete participated only in scrimmages, the school was not forced to forfeit any contests.

Finally, Shaker Heights field hockey coach Hilary Anderson was fined $200 by the association for violating media regulations when she criticized an official following her team’s loss in the state tournamnet. 

In addition to the fine, the Commissioner’s Office is requiring Anderson to write a letter of apology to the official in question.

For many of you, it's one week until the Super Bowl. This isn't the time to start over thinking decisions or getting cute with roster choices. Stick with the team that helped get you to the postseason.

CLEVELAND, Ohio - For many of you, it's one week until the Super Bowl. This isn't the time to start over thinking decisions or getting cute with roster choices. Stick with the team that helped get you to the postseason. Week 15 is just hours away from kicking off with the San Diego Chargers and Denver Broncos. Who should you start? Who should you sit? What to watch for this weekend? And what sleepers will be awoken? 

Starts

QB Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons – Yes, Matt Ryan, the guy who was rightfully written off when Julio Jones tore his ACL. Ryan quietly tossed two touchdowns in last week's loss against Green Bay. He now has multiple touchdowns in two of his last four games. Playing in the dome he won't have to worry about any weather issues. Roddy White is healthy, as is Tony Gonzalez. And the Redskins have allowed 14 passing touchdowns in the last six games. Are you willing to take the risk?

RB Ben Tate, Houston Texans – He didn't follow-up his Week 13 outburst (102 yards and three touchdowns) the way some were hoping he would. Perhaps the Jaguars have his number considering Tate has rushed for 54 yards in two meetings against them. He's averaging more than 16 carries since Week 9 and plays the Colts and their 29th-ranked run defense, which Tate gained 81 yards against six weeks ago.

RB Maurice Jones-Drew, Jacksonville Jaguars – He has had an extra few days to rest up that injured hamstring, and has vowed to play. Who am I to question Pocket Hercules? With a touchdown or at least 100 yards in six straight games, MJD should be someone that owners try to find a spot for in their lineups. It also helps that he's playing the Bills, who have allowed a rushing touchdown in four straight.

WR Eric Decker, Denver Broncos – Yes, I know I told you to bench him on a week where he scored four touchdowns. His inconsistency has been maddening, but I've learned my lesson the hard way. Let's consider this a mulligan. Wes Welker is out and the Chargers have allowed the sixth-most points to wideouts. I'd say that's a good combination for him to continue his torrid run.

WR Pierre Garcon, Washington Redskins – Cousins and his weak arm will have a tough time consistently getting the ball downfield so I expect a lot of slants, screens, curls and crosses to the explosive Garcon. The former Mount Union star hasn't scored in the last four games, but he is still second in targets behind Calvin Johnson. If he can stop dropping passes and the QB has enough time behind one of the worst offensive lines, then he should make plays.

Sits

View full sizeWhich Andy Dalton will show up for the Bengals on Sunday?Associated Press

QB Andy Dalton, Cincinnati Bengals – Good luck trying to figure out Dalton. After being named the AFC Offensive Player of the Month in October, he struggled with nine interceptions in his next four. Last week, he threw for 275 yards and three touchdowns in a big win over the Indianapolis Colts. A matchup against the Steelers won't be easy, as Dalton has thrown multiple touchdowns in one of five. I simply don't trust him.

RB DeAngelo Williams, Carolina Panthers – He looked pretty good last week (13 carries for 52 yards). And Jonathan Stewart is out with a torn MCL, which could increase his workload. But the Jets have the NFL's second-best run defense. And Williams hasn't had more than 70 yards rushing since Week 3.

RB Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans – This one is tough because Johnson has four touchdowns in his last four games. You probably don't have too many better options. But Shonn Greene had three less carries than Johnson last week and the Cardinals haven't allowed a 100-yard rusher since Week 6 when Frank Gore ran for 101 yards against them.

WR Mike Wallace, Miami Dolphins – Something tells me that Patriots cornerback Aqib Talib is going to be in a bad mood after Josh Gordon torched him on Sunday. The last time Wallace played against New England, he managed to haul in three catches for 41 yards. You might want to look elsewhere.

WR Jarrett Boykin, Green Bay Packers – As the Green Bay offense sputters along without Aaron Rodgers, Boykin has been a non factor. I don't care how bad the Dallas defense is – and it's really bad – Boykin has two catches in the last two games. I'm not willing to put my playoff life on the line with him unless Rodgers returns.

Sleepers

QB Joe Flacco, Baltimore Ravens – Quietly he has put together three games with at least 240 yards passing, including last week's three-touchdown breakout. Eight of the last nine quarterbacks that have faced Detroit have thrown for multiple touchdowns. If you're a Rodgers owner or have Robert Griffin III, it may be wise to consider Flacco as a fill-in.

RB Andre Ellington, Arizona Cardinals – He returned from a knee injury and rushed for 46 yards on 11 carries. He also added a touchdown. Ellington's upside is limited because he is sharing carries with Rashard Mendenhall. But the Titans have allowed a rushing touchdown in nine straight games.

View full sizeBrowns running back Chris Ogbonnaya could see a bigger workload Sunday.Associated Press

RB Chris Ogbonnaya, Cleveland Browns – With Willis McGahee still recovering from a concussion, Ogbonnaya could get the bulk of the touches in the Browns backfield, provided he doesn't fumble. The Bears run defense is ranked last in the NFL. Chicago has given up more rushing yards over the last seven games than 13 teams have all season.

WR Brian Hartline, Miami Dolphins – At least five catches in the last five games. Two straight games with a receiving touchdown. 35 targets in the last three games. A matchup against the New England Patriots, who gave up nearly 400 yards passing to Jason Campbell. There are plenty of reasons why a breakout could be on the horizon.

WR Andre Holmes, Oakland Raiders – Remember Eric Decker's four-touchdown game against the Kansas City Chiefs? OK, so maybe Holmes is not Decker. And Matt McGloin is no Peyton Manning. But teams are staying away from Sean Smith and Brandon Flowers, while picking on Marcus Cooper. Someone will have a nice afternoon against KC's third corner. I'm going with Holmes who has 10 catches for 199 yards in the last two games.

Bold predictions

Packers QB Matt Flynn will finish as a Top 10 quarterback – Of course this is dependent on him getting the start this weekend. If Rodgers can't go, Flynn would play against the defense (Dallas) that didn't force Chicago to punt on Monday night. I don't care how bad he's been, that's awfully appealing.

Patriots RB Shane Vereen will continue his ascension up the running back ranks – As Stevan Ridley's talents continue to get wasted away on the sidelines, Vereen continues to benefit. He was quiet for a half and then exploded (162 total yards and a touchdown) against the Browns. He has 55 targets in five games. That number should only rise with Rob Gronkowski done for the year.

View full sizePackers running back Eddie Lacy has a great matchup against the Cowboys.Associated Press

Packers RB Eddie Lacy will play and rush for 200 yards against the Cowboys – The big, bruising back has been one of the most productive guys at the position. Averaging 21 carries since he returned from a concussion, Lacy plays the generous Cowboys defense. Dallas has given up 905 yards, eight touchdowns in the last six games.

Bears WR Brandon Marshall will outscore Alshon Jeffery – It hasn't happened the last two weeks. Jeffery is turning into a star before everyone's eyes. However, Cutler will be back this weekend, and I think Cutler will lean on Marshall. I also expect Haden to matchup with Jeffery more than Marshall because Haden doesn't cover slot receivers (21 slot snaps) and that's where Marshall has lined up 308 times.

Vikings WR Cordarrelle Patterson will have his second 100-yard game – Patterson, the exciting and explosive youngster, has scored in three of the last five games. He leads the Vikings in targets with just under seven per game in the last five. The Eagles are allowing the most fantasy points to opposing receivers. Sounds good to me!

What to watch for

View full sizeBears quarterback Jay Cutler has been cleared just in time to take on the Browns vulnerable secondary.Associated Press

The Bears QB situation – Jay Cutler will get the nod this weekend against the Browns. It was a surprising move considering how Josh McCown had played in the previous five games. The Browns have allowed multiple passing touchdowns in the last eight games so you want Cutler in the lineup.

Is there any shot for Patriots RB Stevan Ridley to help the rest of the year? It's a question that a lot of people want an answer to. When he wasn't fumbling, he was rewarding owners that took him in the late first or early second round. He can't be started this weekend. It's too risky. But how he performs will determine whether he is available for the Fantasy Super Bowl next week.

The carries in the Miami Dolphins backfield – Lamar Miller is still recovering from a concussion. Daniel Thomas had his first 100-yard rushing game since 2011. This two-game stretch against New England and Buffalo could be ripe for one of the backs to explode. But only if the committee approach changes.

Will Saints WR Marques Colston show any consistency? Right when owners put Colston on the bench, he turns back the clock. A nine-catch, two-touchdown performance was shocking considering it happened against Carolina. He can help you win weeks with a performance like that, but his disappearing acts could cause a loss at the wrong time.

Can Eagles WR Riley Cooper re-emerge in a great matchup against the Vikings – Remember when he was the waiver-wire darling? Cooper went through a two-game stretch where he had eight catches, 141 yards and five touchdowns. In the three games since he has nine catches for 159 yards and zero TDs. The good news is he plays Minnesota, and the 29 passing TDs its allowed is the most in the league.

An arctic blast has put much of the area fishing on hold for the weekend. The steelhead trout streams have been filled with ice and slush. Local lakes have at least some ice cover, but it's generally not thick enough to support ice anglers.

International Game Fish Association

CLEVELAND, Ohio – An arctic blast has put much of the area fishing on hold for the weekend. The steelhead trout streams have been filled with ice and slush. Local lakes have at least some ice cover, but it’s generally not thick enough to support ice anglers. Lake Erie’s last gasp of good open-water walleye fishing is coming to an end.

LAKE ERIE

Big water anglers must be very cautious before launching a boat to troll for walleye. Fishermen can only hope a warming trend next week will give them a chance to cast lures from shoreline piers and breakwalls for both walleye and steelhead trout.

RIVERS AND STREAMS

There will always be a few die-hard steelhead trout fishermen roaming the rivers and streams, searching for a patch of open water. The steelhead trout population in the tributaries from the Vermilion to Conneaut Creek had been increasing, with very good success over the last week. The frigid nights are resulting in lots of ice and slush in the river, requiring a search for pockets of open water.

INLAND LAKES, RESERVOIRS

The ice fishing season is right around the corner, but it has not arrived just yet. Most lakes still have open-water areas, and the shoreline ice is generally not thick enough to support fishermen.

The Cleveland Metroparks stocked five of its lakes with about 2,000 pounds of rainbow trout earlier this week. The trout range from 1 to 4 pounds, and include some golden trout. Wallace Lake in Berea, as usual, got the lion’s share of the trout, with Ranger, Shadow, Ledge and Judge’s lakes also stocked.

Wallace Lake is the best bet this weekend, fishing from docks and fishing platforms or cutting holes in the ice in deep-water areas adjacent to the shoreline. With frigid overnight temperatures forecast for the next few days, the smaller Cleveland Metroparks lakes may have safe ice soon. Anglers can tempt trout with tiny ice jigs tipped with maggots, waxworms, or Berkley Power Bait.

The tailwaters below the dams at Pymatuning, Mosquito, West Branch, Milton, Atwood Charles Mill and Pleasant Hill lakes can offer some good fishing right now. Pymatuning, Mosquito and West Branch tailwaters offer the chance for walleye, while saugeye are featured at Atwood, Charles Mill and Pleasant Hill. Anglers are casting jigs tipped with plastic twister tails or minnows.

Stocked brown trout are being caught from the Clear Fork of the Mohican River, both above and below Pleasant Hill Reservoir.

TROPHY FISH

Fall Brawl Walleye Derby (Lake Erie) - Final Results: 1. Andy Paramushchuk, North Royalton, 31 inches, 13.140 pound, $3,000; 2. David Pace, 11.75 pounds, $1,200; Gary Zart, Brunswick, 11.745 pounds, $800.

DOG TRIAL RESULTS

Jack Davis Memorial All-Breed Hunter’s Trial

Crooked Creek Conservation Club, Hartsgrove

Dogs of the Day – Pointing: Dennis Meinke, German shorthaired pointer (GSP), Calli; Flushing: Del Reckart, English cocker spaniel (ECS), Tracer.

All-Age – Pointing: Dennis Meinke, GSP, Ruby; Dennis Meinke, GSP, Calli; Dan Kaminski, GSP, Tucker. Flushing: Lou Monaco, English springer spaniel, Casey; Del Reckart, ECS, Tracer, Shawn McGraw, ESS, Kimbia.

Gun Dog – Pointing: Matt Sironen, GSP, Maggie; Matt Sironen, Brittany (Brit), Major; Brian Smith, GSP, Smitty. Flushing: John Rizzo, Labrador retriever (Lab), Marty; Bob Rinehart, ESS, Tober; John Kristof, golden retriever, Molly.

Derby – Pointing: Cheryl Knight, GSP, Kelly. Flushing: Shawn McGraw, ESS, Dolly.

Puppy – Pointing: Sherry Lovaglio, GSP, Reba; Dennis Barbish, English pointer (EP), Josie. Flushing: Tim Daily, Lab, Millie.

Senior – Pointing: Russ Roth, GSP, Rusty; Dennis Barbish, EP, Boss; Lou Dell’Osso, EP, Lakota. Flushing: Howard Shanklin, Lab, Jack.

Water Trial: Bruce Smith, Lab, Brutus; Lou Dell’Osso, Brit, Lakota.

Watch as Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed deliver the news from Berea on Thursday as the Cleveland Browns continue their preparations for the Bears this Sunday.

BEREA, Ohio -- Cleveland Browns beat writers Mary Kay Cabot and Tom Reed recap what happened at practice Thursday in Berea as the Browns continue their preparations to play the Bears Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium. 

Topics include:  Everyone is still talking about the record setting performance of wide receiver Josh Gordon during the last four weeks.  Quarterback Jason Campbell putting up good numbers and showing consistency when healthy.  Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler coming back from high ankle sprain.  The Browns running game including new running back Edwin Baker.

Follow on Twitter: @CLEvideos

The Leetonia Sportsman's Club is hosting its annual Deer Expo on Sunday at its club grounds.

OUTDOORS CALENDAR for Dec. 13

Editor’s Note: Hunting seasons listed at end of Outdoor Calendar.

Dec. 15: Second portion of the dove hunting season opens through Jan. 2. Second portion of the snipe hunting season opens through Jan. 4. For information visit www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

Dec. 15: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 5370 Erhart Rd. (south of West Smith Rd.), Chatham Township. Entries close Thursday. Call Mike Kristof, 216-663-6427.

Dec. 15: Deer Expo 2013, Leetonia Sportsman’s Club, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., 311 East High St., Leetonia. Big buck contest, exhibits. Admission $3; $1 with an antlered deer; kids 15 and under free.

Dec. 18: Cleveland Museum of Natural History Trout Club dinner featuring a presentation by Evan Morse on Fly Fishing, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval, Cleveland. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., program at 7:30 p.m. For reservations contact Karen Menn, 216-231-4600, Ext. 3278, or visit www.cmnh.org.

Dec. 22: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association, West 130th St. at Sleepy Hollow Rd., Hinckley. Entries close Thursday. Contact Bert Scali, 216-513-9147, scali44212@aol.com.

Dec. 26: Beaver and river otter trapping seasons open through Feb. 28. For information visit www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

Dec. 29: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, Pinecrest Shooting Preserve, 8 a.m., 1035 Derussey Road, New London. Entry deadline is Thursday at 7 p.m. Call Tim Reznik, 440-236-9131.

Jan. 4: Dave Maiwurm Appreciation All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., Wayne Coon Hunters Association, 4900 Secrest Rd., Wooster. Regular trial and youth trial. Entries close Thursday at 7 p.m. Call Ron Burkey, 330-988-3987.

Jan. 4-7: Statewide black powder rifle season for deer. For information visit www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

Jan. 6: SCSA Youth Indoor Archery, basic archery instruction with emphasis on safety and basic archery techniques for boys and girls 6 to 15 years of age, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Open to the public. Free, with Mathews Genesis youth bows provided. Parents must accompany each youth archer. For information contact Patrick Martelon, 330-324-2705. Program is held every Monday through March 31.

Jan. 8-12: 38th annual Ohio RV Supershow, I-X Center, One I-X Center Dr., Cleveland. Show hours: Wednesday through Friday, noon-9 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Admission, $12.50; two-day pass $20; kids 12 and under free. Free admission with Red Cross blood donation on Jan. 8-10 from noon-7 p.m. For more information visit www.ohiorvshow.com.

Jan. 12: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., Columbia Game Club, 237 Route 224 (2.4 miles west of Route 301), Sullivan Township. Regular trial and youth trial. Entries close Thursday. Call Frank Reznik, 330-723-1679.

Jan. 13: SCSA Youth Indoor Archery, basic archery instruction with emphasis on safety and basic archery techniques for boys and girls 6 to 15 years of age, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Open to the public. Free, with Mathews Genesis youth bows provided. Parents must accompany each youth archer. For information contact Patrick Martelon, 330-324-2705.

Jan. 15: Cleveland Museum of Natural History Trout Club dinner featuring a presentation by New York fly fishing author Rick Kustich, Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval, Cleveland. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner at 7 p.m., program at 7:30 p.m. For reservations contact Karen Menn, 216-231-4600, Ext. 3278, or visit www.cmnh.org.

Jan. 16-20: Mid-America Boat Show, I-X Center, One I-X Center Dr., Cleveland. Show hours: Thursday, noon-9 p.m.; Friday, noon-10 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Monday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $12, $11 for seniors, kids 12 and under free. Admission includes a subscription ro Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, Ski or Islands Magazine. Advanced tickets available at www.clevelandboatshow.com. For more information visit lemta.com.

Jan. 16-19: Cleveland Outdoor Adventure Show, I-X Center, One I-X Center Dr., Cleveland. Show hours: Thursday and Friday, 2-8 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Admissiion $10, kids 10 and under free. For more information, visit www.sportandtravelexpo.com/Cleveland.

Jan. 16-18: 4th annual Waynedale Archery tournament at the Northeast Ohio Sportsman Show, Buckeye Event Center, Dalton. Flight times begin Thursday at 5 p.m. and run through Saturday at 4 p.m. Register for flights before Jan. 10 by contacting 330-466-4453 or WaynedaleArchery@gmail.com. Entry $5 per shooter, $10 per spectator.

Jan. 17-18: Northeast Ohio Sportsman Show, Buckeye Event Center, 624 Henry St., Dalton. Admission $10; two-day pass $15, kids 12 and under free. Show hours: Friday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. For information, visit www.ohiosportsmanshow.com.

Jan. 19: George Sullivan Memorial All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 5370 Erhart Rd. (south of West Smith Rd.), Chatham Township. Entries close Thursday. Call Mike Kristof, 216-663-6427.

Jan. 20: SCSA Youth Indoor Archery, basic archery instruction with emphasis on safety and basic archery techniques for boys and girls 6 to 15 years of age, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Open to the public. Free, with Mathews Genesis youth bows provided. Parents must accompany each youth archer. For information contact Patrick Martelon, 330-324-2705.

Jan. 25: Cleveland Hailers’ Sportsman’s Night Out for Ducks Unlimited, UAW Local 1250, 17250 Hummel Rd., Cleveland. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. dinner, games, raffles, silent auction and exclusive Ducks Unlimited merchandise. Admission $50; $90 per couple; $30 for a greenwing. Table sponsorship $400, $375 corporate. For tickets, information contact April Blaylock (216-749-7758, amblaylock@sbcglobal.net).

Jan. 26: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association, West 130th St. at Sleepy Hollow Rd., Hinckley. Entries close Thursday. Contact Bert Scali, 216-513-9147, scali44212@aol.com.

Jan. 27: SCSA Youth Indoor Archery, basic archery instruction with emphasis on safety and basic archery techniques for boys and girls 6 to 15 years of age, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Open to the public. Free, with Mathews Genesis youth bows provided. Parents must accompany each youth archer. For information contact Patrick Martelon, 330-324-2705.

Feb. 2: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., R & G Ventures at Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association, West 130th St. at Sleepy Hollow Rd., Hinckley. Entries close Thursday. Call John Rizzo, 440-338-6578.

Feb. 3: SCSA Youth Indoor Archery, basic archery instruction with emphasis on safety and basic archery techniques for boys and girls 6 to 15 years of age, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Open to the public. Free, with Mathews Genesis youth bows provided. Parents must accompany each youth archer. For information contact Patrick Martelon, 330-324-2705.

Feb. 9: Gus Ferencak Memorial and Del Shamp/Chuck Weber Classic All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., Columbia Game Club, 237 Route 224 (2.4 miles west of Route 301), Sullivan Township. Entries close Thursday. Call Frank Reznik, 330-723-1679.

Feb. 10: SCSA Youth Indoor Archery, basic archery instruction with emphasis on safety and basic archery techniques for boys and girls 6 to 15 years of age, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Open to the public. Free, with Mathews Genesis youth bows provided. Parents must accompany each youth archer. For information contact Patrick Martelon, 330-324-2705.

Feb. 16: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 5370 Erhart Rd. (south of West Smith Rd.), Chatham Township. Entries close Thursday. Call Mike Kristof, 216-663-6427.

Feb. 17: SCSA Youth Indoor Archery, basic archery instruction with emphasis on safety and basic archery techniques for boys and girls 6 to 15 years of age, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Open to the public. Free, with Mathews Genesis youth bows provided. Parents must accompany each youth archer. For information contact Patrick Martelon, 330-324-2705.

Feb. 23: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., Wayne Coon Hunters Association, 4900 Secrest Rd., Wooster. Entries close Thursday at 7 p.m. Call Ron Burkey, 330-988-3987.

Feb. 24: SCSA Youth Indoor Archery, basic archery instruction with emphasis on safety and basic archery techniques for boys and girls 6 to 15 years of age, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Open to the public. Free, with Mathews Genesis youth bows provided. Parents must accompany each youth archer. For information contact Patrick Martelon, 330-324-2705.

Feb. 28-March 1: 17th annual Earlybird Sports Show, 307 Hostettler Rd., Orrville.

Feb. 28-March 2: Niles Sportsman’s Show, Eastwood Expo Center, Niles. For information call 300-544-8951.

March 1: Lake Erie walleye daily bag limit is reduced from 6 to 4 fish per day. For details, visit www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

March 2: Dec. 29: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, Pinecrest Shooting Preserve, 8 a.m., 1035 Derussey Road, New London. Entry deadline is Thursday at 7 p.m. Call Tim Reznik, 440-236-9131.

March 3: SCSA Youth Indoor Archery, basic archery instruction with emphasis on safety and basic archery techniques for boys and girls 6 to 15 years of age, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Open to the public. Free, with Mathews Genesis youth bows provided. Parents must accompany each youth archer. For information contact Patrick Martelon, 330-324-2705.

March 8: Annual banquet of the Ohio Chapter of Safari Club International, Michauds Towne & Country, 16808 Pearl Rd., Strongsville. Dinner, raffles, games and the return of the Duck Drop. Tickets $50. Contact Paul Potemski (216-695-3800, paul@twendesafarissa.com) or visit www.ohiosafarichapter.com or www.twendesafarissa.com.

March 9: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., R & G Ventures at Cuyahoga Coon Hunters Association, West 130th St. at Sleepy Hollow Rd., Hinckley. Entries close Thursday. Call John Rizzo, 440-338-6578.

March 10: SCSA Youth Indoor Archery, basic archery instruction with emphasis on safety and basic archery techniques for boys and girls 6 to 15 years of age, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Open to the public. Free, with Mathews Genesis youth bows provided. Parents must accompany each youth archer. For information contact Patrick Martelon, 330-324-2705.

March 14-16: Ohio Deer & Turkey Expo, Bricker Building, Ohio Expo Center, Ohio State Fairgrounds, 717 East 17th St., Columbus. Show hours: Friday, 2-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Admission $14; two-day pass, $22; hunter education graduate 12-18 years old, $10; first-year hunter, free; ages 6-11, $4; five and under, free. For more information visit www.deerinfo.com/ohio.

March 16: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., Columbia Game Club, 237 Route 224 (2.4 miles west of Route 301), Sullivan Township. Regular trial and youth trial. Entries close Thursday. Call Frank Reznik, 330-723-1679.

March 17: SCSA Youth Indoor Archery, basic archery instruction with emphasis on safety and basic archery techniques for boys and girls 6 to 15 years of age, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Open to the public. Free, with Mathews Genesis youth bows provided. Parents must accompany each youth archer. For information contact Patrick Martelon, 330-324-2705.

March 21-23: Bowhunting Supershow, Columbus Convention Center, Columbus. Show hours: Friday, noon-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Admission $15, $20 for the weekend. NRA members free. For exhibitor, show information contact bowshowcontact@gmail.com.

March 23: All-Breed Hunter’s Trial, 8 a.m., South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 5370 Erhart Rd. (south of West Smith Rd.), Chatham Township. Regular trial and youth trial. Entries close Thursday. Call Mike Kristof, 216-663-6427.

March 24: SCSA Youth Indoor Archery, basic archery instruction with emphasis on safety and basic archery techniques for boys and girls 6 to 15 years of age, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Open to the public. Free, with Mathews Genesis youth bows provided. Parents must accompany each youth archer. For information contact Patrick Martelon, 330-324-2705.

March 31: SCSA Youth Indoor Archery, basic archery instruction with emphasis on safety and basic archery techniques for boys and girls 6 to 15 years of age, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. at the South Cuyahoga Sportsmen’s Association, 19300 Ridge Rd., North Royalton. Open to the public. Free, with Mathews Genesis youth bows provided. Parents must accompany each youth archer. For information contact Patrick Martelon, 330-324-2705.

April 5: 47th annual Invitational Winner’s Trial of the All-Breed Hunter’s Trial Circuit, 8 a.m., Wayne Coon Hunters Association, 4900 Secrest Rd., Wooster. Entries closed.

April 19-20, 2014: Youth wild turkey hunting spring season. For information visit www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

April 21: Spring wild turkey hunting season opens through May 18, 2014. For information visit www.wildohio.com or call 1-800-WILDLIFE.

May 2-4: Catawba Island Boat Show, Catawba Island Club, Catawba Island. For information visit lemta.com.

Sept. 11-14: North American In-Water Boat Show, Cedar Point Marina, Cedar Point Amusement Park, Sandusky. For information visit lemta.com.

HUNTING SEASONS

DEER HUNTING SEASONS

Deer archery: Sept. 28-Feb. 2, 2014;

Deer gun: Dec. 2-8

Deer muzzleloader: Jan. 4-7, 2014.

WATERFOWL HUNTING SEASONS

Ducks - Lake Erie Marsh Zone: Nov. 9-Dec. 22

Ducks – North Zone: Nov. 30-Jan. 12

Ducks – South Zone: Dec. 14-Jan. 26

Geese – Lake Erie Goose Zone: Nov. 9-Jan. 9

Geese – North Zone: Nov. 30-Jan. 30

Geese – South Zone: Nov. 30-Jan. 30

SMALL GAME HUNTING SEASONS

Squirrel: Sept. 1-Jan. 31, 2014

Doves: Dec. 15-Jan. 2.

Snipe: Dec. 15-Jan. 4

Ruffed grouse: Oct. 12-Jan. 31, 2014

Woodcock: Oct. 12-Nov. 25.

Fall wild turkey: Oct. 14-Dec. 1

Cottontail rabbit: Nov. 1-Feb. 28, 2014

Ring-necked pheasant: Nov. 1-Jan. 5, 2014

Fox, raccoon, opossum, skunk and weasel: Nov. 10-Jan. 31, 2014

Mink and muskrat: Nov. 10-Feb. 28, 2014

Mink, muskrat, raccoon, opossum, skunk and weasel (Erie, Ottawa and Sandusky counties, and Lucas County east of the Maumee River): Nov. 10-March 15, 2014

Beaver: Dec. 26-Feb. 28, 2014

River otter: Dec. 26-Feb. 28, 2014

Crow: June 7-March 8, 2014; June 6, 2014-March 7, 2015 (Friday, Saturday and Sunday only)

Youth spring wild turkey: April 19-20, 2014

Spring wild turkey: April 21-May 18, 2014

Coyote and wild boar: No closed season

Groundhog: Closed only during deer gun season.

Ohio hunters checked 75,408 white-tailed deer during the weeklong gun hunting season on Dec. 2-8, a 13 percent decrease from the 86,963 deer killed last year.

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Ohio hunters checked 75,408 white-tailed deer during the week-long gun hunting season on Dec. 2-8, a 13 percent decrease from the 86,963 deer killed last year, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

Hunters have harvested 162,720 deer so far in the 2013 hunting seasons, compared to 171,867 at the same point last year, a 5 percent difference.

Until recently, the populations in nearly all of Ohio’s counties were well above their target numbers. In the last few years, through increased harvests, dramatic strides have been made in many counties to bring those populations closer toward their goal. Once a county’s deer population is near goal, harvest regulations are adjusted to maintain the population near that goal.

Archery season remains open through Sunday, Feb. 2, 2014. The muzzleloader season is Jan. 4-7, 2014.

Counties reporting the highest number of checked deer during the 2013 gun season: Coshocton (2,658), Muskingum (2,604), Tuscarawas (2,604), Guernsey (2,401), Ashtabula (2,334), Harrison (2,133), Carroll (2,019), Knox (1,966), Licking (1,887) and Belmont (1,851). Coshocton County also had the most deer checked in the 2012 deer gun season (3,119).

Editor’s Note: A list of all white-tailed deer checked by hunters during weeklong 2013 deer-gun hunting season is shown below. The first number following the county’s name shows the harvest numbers for 2013, and the 2012 numbers are in parentheses.

Adams: 1,343 (1,554); Allen: 380 (393); Ashland: 1,162 (1,240); Ashtabula: 2,334 (2,052); Athens: 1,745 (1,983); Auglaize: 299 (362); Belmont: 1,851 (2,127); Brown: 932 (1,094); Butler: 312 (350); Carroll: 2,019 (2,062); Champaign: 414 (487);

Clark: 198 (226); Clermont: 667 (835); Clinton: 250 (348); Columbiana: 1,726 (1,686); Coshocton: 2,658 (3,119); Crawford: 528 (543); Cuyahoga: 31 (30); Darke: 170 (312); Defiance: 744 (882); Delaware: 393 (620); Erie: 176 (171); Fairfield: 827 (1,040);

Fayette: 103 (111); Franklin: 113 (176); Fulton: 341 (413); Gallia: 1,420 (1,747); Geauga: 509 (598); Greene: 224 (318); Guernsey: 2,401 (2,620); Hamilton: 202 (244); Hancock: 338 (558); Hardin: 544 (512); Harrison: 2,133 (2,370); Henry: 326 (346);

Highland: 1,041 (1,347); Hocking: 1,456 (1,966); Holmes: 1,494 (1,837); Huron: 1,029 (1,006); Jackson: 1,156 (1,439); Jefferson: 1,494 (1,830); Knox: 1,966 (2,159); Lake: 126 (207); Lawrence: 1,002 (1,286); Licking: 1,887 (2,271); Logan: 653 (755);

Lorain: 678 (764); Lucas: 131 (158); Madison: 127 (141); Mahoning: 750 (664); Marion: 348 (410); Medina: 555 (596); Meigs: 1,482 (1,764); Mercer: 219 (318); Miami: 211 (241); Monroe: 1,337 (1,695); Montgomery: 109 (162);

Morgan: 1,445 (1,712); Morrow: 640 (844); Muskingum: 2,604 (2,927); Noble: 1,454 (1,647); Ottawa: 88 (86); Paulding: 499 (551); Perry: 1,362 (1,726); Pickaway: 343 (500); Pike: 818 (973); Portage: 568 (608); Preble: 274 (323); Putnam: 255 (327);

Richland: 1,182 (1,418); Ross: 1,167 (1,512); Sandusky: 208 (224); Scioto: 1,099 (1,138); Seneca: 747 (803); Shelby: 371 (456); Stark: 883 (833); Summit: 140 (163); Trumbull: 1,298 (1,237); Tuscarawas: 2,604 (2,860); Union: 301 (352);

Van Wert: 214 (290); Vinton: 1,424 (1,583); Warren: 285 (406); Washington: 1,606 (2,163); Wayne: 724 (784); Williams: 838 (906); Wood: 213 (254); Wyandot: 690 (812). Total: 75,408 (86,963).

Former Michigan State running back Edwin Baker is ready to contribute on Sunday.

BEREA, Ohio -- Running back Edwin Baker has waited for this opportunity since he left Michigan State his junior year for the NFL Draft.

Baker's opportunity had been moving at a turtle's pace since after he spent all of 2012 on the San Diego Chargers' practice squad and this season on practice squads with  Denver and Houston. But after signing with the Browns on Tuesday, Baker knows his chance to display his talent is near. With Willis McGahee out with a concussion, it's likely Baker will join the rushing unit of Chris Ogbonnaya and Fozzy Whittaker on Sunday.

"I was always waiting for my moment, my chance to show what I can do," Baker said. "I've been waiting for this opportunity. If my number is called upon I plan to do my best."

Offensive coordinator Norv Turner is familiar with Baker. Turner brought Baker in when he was the coach of the Chargers and put him on the practice squad, giving him an opportunity to develop into a running back on the active roster.

Time spent with Turner in the past could help Baker now.

"I played under his system, so I know what he likes to call," said Baker, 5-8, 210 pounds. "I know how he goes about things. I'm ready to go."

Pro Bowl votes: T.J. Ward, Joe Haden, Joe Thomas and Josh Gordon are among the Browns players who could make the Pro Bowl in February, but one name not on the list could become a surprising addition.

Chris Ogbonnaya is second in fan voting among fullbacks, the highest-ranked Browns player. Fan balloting counts for one-third of the vote. The votes from players and coaches accounts for the other two-thirds.

Ogbonnaya is also surprised by the early results.

"It's surprising and flattering at the same time," said Ogbonnaya, who converted to fullback this season. "For me it's about respect. That's what I aim for and it's definitely flattering that the fans at least have noticed that."

Ogbonnaya has rushed for 224 yards on 42 carriers, and 291 yards on 41 catches.

Man of the year: The Browns named Jabaal Sheard their 2013 Walter Payton Man of the Year. The award, named after Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, is presented to one member of each of the 32 teams. The award is given to a player who is committed to community service and is excellent on the field. Sheard will be recognized during pregame festivities Sunday at FirstEnergy Stadium this season.

“It’s an honor to be selected for this award,” said Sheard, in a statement released by the Browns. “Walter Payton was a great man on and off the field, and it’s humbling to be mentioned with him. Educating youth, especially here in our Cleveland community, is something that is very important to me, as well as helping those less fortunate.”

The Man of the Year award has been given annually since 1970.

Special teams: The Browns will have their hands full when it comes to several Bears weapons, including special teams ace Devin Hester, who holds the NFL record for most all-time return touchdowns (punt and kick) and most all-time punt return TDs.

Second-year defensive back Johnson Bademosi is fully aware of Hester's ability.

"We all know what he's done in the league," said Bademosi, who spends most of his time on the field with the special teams unit. "He's explosive, quick and electric, so I'm really excited to learn going up against him."

Toys for Tots: The Browns and local Marines will host the annual Toys for Tots gameday toy drive at FirstEnergy Stadium gates prior to Sunday’s game. Fans are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys for kids in need. Browns alumni and volunteers from the Marines will collect donations, including monetary contributions, as fans enter the stadium, starting at 11 a.m.

Injury report: OL John Greco (knee) and RB Willis McGahee (concussion) did not participate in practice today. LB D'Qwell Jackson (ankle), OL Joe Thomas, TE Andre Smith (calf) and DL Ahtyba Rubin (calf) were limited. OL Reid Fragel (illness) and QB Brandon Weeden (concussion, knee) full practice participation.

PARMA, Ohio — Bruce Saban has been named the new head football coach at Parma, the school announced Thursday. Saban previously served as head coach of the Redmen from 2003-05. Saban replaces Dean Lasley, who resigned Thursday. Lasley will stay on as a member of Saban’s coaching staff. The Redmen were 7-13 in two years under Lasley.

PARMA, Ohio — Bruce Saban has been named the new head football coach at Parma, the school announced Thursday. Saban previously served as head coach of the Redmen from 2003-05.

Saban replaces Dean Lasley, who resigned Thursday. Lasley will stay on as a member of Saban’s coaching staff. The Redmen were 7-13 in two years under Lasley.

“Bruce is phenomenal teacher and coach,” Parma Athletic Director Ryan Madison said in a release. “He is one of the most respected teachers and coaches in our district. Most importantly, he is a man of great character and a great role model for our young athletes.”

A 1988 graduate of Parma, Saban has taught and coached at his alma mater for 20 years. His previous coaching roles include serving as offensive coordinator for the Redmen. Saban briefly left Parma to coach the running backs at Case Western Reserve University in 2006.

Saban, a four-year letterman at Parma, holds the school record for career rushing yards. He will be inducted into the school’s Athletic Hall of Fame next month.

He was a four-year letterman at John Carroll University, where he set five school records and was named All-Ohio Athletic Conference his senior season.

“Football wise, he is an accomplished offensive coordinator,” Madison said. “He is a great motivator and communicator. He brings 20 years of football coaching experience with previous head coaching and collegiate experience.”

Contact high school sports reporter Bill Landis by email (blandis@cleveland.com) or Twitter (@blandis25). Or log in and leave a message in the comments section below.