The linebacker's doctor tells him he will not need surgery on his injured right pectoral muscle.
View full sizeThere is a chance that linebacker D'Qwell Jackson could be back for the season opener Sept. 12 at Tampa Bay.BEREA, Ohio — Browns linebacker D'Qwell Jackson's surgeon told him Thursday that surgery is not necessary and that he could be back in three to eight weeks from a strained right pectoral muscle, a league source told The Plain Dealer.
Jackson's surgeon, Dr. Frank Cordasco of the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York, reviewed Jackson's MRI and other tests taken in Cleveland on Tuesday and reached the same conclusion as the Browns' medical staff -- Jackson could be back in a month or two, the source said.
If Jackson makes it back in Cordasco's minimum of three weeks, he could be ready for the season opener Sept. 12 at Tampa Bay. If it takes the full eight weeks, he should be back to play against the Falcons on Oct. 10.
Jackson, who has been in the starting lineup all camp, was at the Browns' facility Thursday, but not on the practice field.
In keeping with club policy, the Browns haven't gotten specific about Jackson's injury or his estimated return date.
"Right now, the plan is just to let it quiet down for a few weeks and then see where we are at that point and go from there," coach Eric Mangini said.
The news was a likely a huge relief for Jackson -- he spent the off-season recovering from surgery on his torn left pectoral muscle.
The Browns have adjusted their first-team defense, starting Chris Gocong and Eric Barton inside, with Kaluka Maiava rotating in.
"It's nice to have the guys that we have with the experience they have," Mangini said. "Eric Barton started over 100 games through the course of his career. [Gocong] and David Bowens have experience and [Maiava] got some time last year as a young guy."
Jackson's teammates lamented his loss, regardless of how long it is.
"He's like a brother to all of us," safety Abram Elam said. "We're going to have to come together. But I talked to D'Qwell and he's upbeat about returning. He's not thinking negative on it. He's trying to bring some positive into it."
Wright, McDonald back: Cornerback Brandon McDonald (ankle) returned to the field in the morning and cornerback Eric Wright (leg) returned in the evening, meaning both are likely to play Saturday night at Green Bay.
View full sizeBrowns defensive back Eric Wright catches a pass during a defensive drill in the evening practice on Thursday. During the evening practice, Wright played mostly in the nickel, with Sheldon Brown and Joe Haden playing with the first-team defense. Wright, who could be ready to start against the Packers, made the most of his limited practice with two interceptions.
Quarter for QBs: Mangini said each of the quarterbacks will probably play a quarter, with Jake Delhomme starting, and Seneca Wallace playing the second quarter. He said either Colt McCoy or Brett Ratliff will start the third quarter and the other will play the fourth. Next week, McCoy and Ratliff will swap quarters in the second half. Mangini said he'll adjust things to make sure Delhomme and Wallace are getting enough time. Green Bay's starters are expected to play only a few series.
Detroit time change: Kickoff for the preseason game in Detroit on Aug. 28 has been moved. to 5 p.m. The game can be seen WKYC Channel 3.
Hopeful on Hardesty: Mangini is still hopeful rookie running back Montario Hardesty (knee) will practice next week, the final week of camp. Mangini said he also hopes to get him in a preseason game.
"He's one of those guys that I think looks better in games than he will in practice because he's a physical guy," Mangini said. "I want to give him a chance to get his uniform dirty." He said Hardesty has not had surgery while he's been out.
Zastudil back in town: Punter Dave Zastudil (knee) returned from Colorado but wasn't at practice Thursday. Mangini said Zastudil's situation is much like that of Jackson's, where the Browns will let him rehab for a few weeks and then evaluate. Receivers fine: Mangini disagreed with the notion that the receivers haven't been involved much in the passing game.
"I'm sure [defensive coordinator Rob Ryan] wished that was the case when we did the red zone the other day and they lit up the defense," he said. "There's been quite a few balls to the receivers and they've made some unbelievable catches. Brian Robiskie's catch in the corner of the end zone the other day was a great catch. [Chansi] Stuckey had a really nice catch on kind of a runaway from the defender and sort of a one-handed, Jordan-like grab. I think [Josh] Cribbs has had a really nice camp."