Cribbs says he's willing to do whatever it takes to get his hands on the ball and help the offense.
Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerBrowns utilityman Josh Cribbs was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for the fourth time in his career.
BEREA, Ohio — Josh Cribbs used to bristle at people calling him just a returner and not a receiver, too.
Now, when it comes to offense, he doesn't want to be pigeonholed as just a receiver -- over the past four days, Cribbs has twice talked about playing running back.
After Sunday's win over the Colts, Cribbs said: "I just want the ball in my hands. That's why I got a lot of screens and the little bubble routes. If they're doing that as a receiver, so be it. If it's in the backfield, so be it. Don't get caught up on just the receiving aspect."
On Wednesday, Cribbs -- who was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance in Indianapolis -- reiterated that he might be adding another slash to his job description: kick returner/punt returner/wide receiver/running back.
"All off-season, I've been working on my receiving capabilities and helping my team on the offensive side," he said. "It's all aspects on offense, helping my team win: receiving, running back, quarterback, whatever."
So, you can take the wildcat out of the offense, but you can't take the wild out of this cat.
"He's a fantastic player and we're going to try to put him in position to make plays, however we can do it," coach Pat Shurmur said during training camp.
Cribbs is getting so many touches on offense that he doesn't even miss the wildcat, where he took the direct snaps and ran or passed.
"I would miss it if I wasn't a factor on offense," he said. "But they're making it a point to give me the football. All I want is an opportunity to affect the game and they're doing that with me."
As for receiving special teams player of the week honors -- the fourth of his career -- Cribbs said: "It feels great. It lets me know they're blocking for me and allowing the opportunities to return some big ones to help the team out."
Cribbs' 52-yard kickoff return and 43-yard punt return led to touchdowns. Cribbs ranks fifth in the league in kickoff return average (34.2) and seventh in punt return average (13.8).
Hardesty determined: Montario Hardesty was thrilled to hear Shurmur wants to use him earlier in games, and is determined not to fumble again. Hardesty carried three times in the red zone Sunday -- losing a yard, fumbling (left tackle Joe Thomas recovered) and then gaining 2 to the 2-yard line before being replaced by Peyton Hillis.
"I definitely, definitely can't put the ball on the ground, even though I think my elbow was down," Hardesty said. "There's still no excuses. You can never put a ball on the ground. I once went 285 times in one year without the ball coming out."
Hardesty said carrying the ball in the red zone after coming off the bench is no excuse for fumbling.
"You've got to be ready at all times," he said. "It's part of being professional."
He was glad the coaches gave him the ball again after the fumble.
"I want the coaches to be able to count on me," he said. "It was good to have them say, 'Go back in there and play ball.' "
Massaquoi, Pashos limited: Receiver Mohamed Massaquoi was limited with an ankle injury and right tackle Tony Pashos returned to the field on a limited basis with the ankle injury that's kept him out of the first two games.
Pashos, who was held out of team drills, said there's a chance he'll play Sunday against the Dolphins but that he's still day to day.
Mitchell all for it: Defensive end Jayme Mitchell is upbeat about swapping sides with rookie Jabaal Sheard -- Mitchell is now on the right end, away from his more "natural" spot on the left end.
"I feel good about it," Mitchell said. "We got the win and my coaches feel like it's the best way to help us win. . . . the more I do it the easier it gets. It's an honor and a challenge and I'm up for both."
Mitchell understands the importance of springing Sheard.
"He's more comfortable over there, so whatever works, whatever it takes to get him playing great," Mitchell said. "I feel like I can embrace either side and help the team win, which is the most important part. I think [Sheard] is going to be a great player for many years to come."
Colt on Daboll: Colt McCoy wrote in his book "Growing Up Colt" that last season's coaching staff treated him like a leper. Still, McCoy refused to criticize Dolphins offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, who held that position with the Browns last season.
"I have nothing but respect for coach Daboll," he said. "No. I'm not going to go there. Coach Daboll, from all that I've heard, has been doing a great job in Miami. You ask the guys in this locker room, we have respect for him and played hard for him."