WEEK 14

Thursday Night Injury Report

CLEVELAND BROWNS (4-8) AT PITTSBURGH STEELERS (5-7) 8:05 PM EST

BROWNS

Starting QB Charlie Frye (right wrist-questionable) didn't practice Tuesday which was their only true practice of the week.

“I think I was correct yesterday when I said the X-Rays were negative. The MRI showed no breaks and he has a bone bruise. We are going to rest him and treat him. We’ll see how that turns out. Right now, we have him immobilized in a splint so he doesn’t irritate it as much. He won’t be practicing today and he’ll be getting all the treatment he can get. The doctor is going to look at him tomorrow and we’ll evaluate him then. If he cannot play, (#2 QB) Derek Anderson will be the starter. If he can play, I’ll take a look to see what he can do and make the determination then. I won’t be able to know that until I can see if he can take a snap. I won’t know that today because he won’t be taking any snaps and he’s not throwing the ball," head coach Romeo Crennel said Tuesday.

The practiced Tuesday with the belief that Anderson will be starting. The only way Frye would get a chance to play is if he can participate and throw during Wednesday's walk-through.

“I’m going to get reevaluated tomorrow and I’ll see what I can do. It’s sore and I am trying to do everything I can to play. This is a game I had circled after what had happened a couple weeks ago when the (Steelers) came here. They basically stole the victory from us and I was excited to come out and play in this game. We’ll see what happens," Frye said Tuesday.

Starting TE Kellen Winslow (knee-questionable) was limited Tuesday but is expected to start.

Starting DE Orpheus Roye (knee-doubtful) didn't practice and isn't expected to play. Backup DE Simon Fraser is expected to start for him again.

Starting FS Brian Russell (elbow-questionable) practiced Tuesday and is expected to start.

Starting CB Leigh Bodden (ankle-questionable) practiced Tuesday and is expected to start.

STEELERS

Backup RB Duce Staley was released on Monday. The team will dress two backs for the game which has been the case of late.

Starting WRs Hines Ward (knee) and Cedrick Wilson (ankle) are out. Backup WR/PR Willie Reid (foot) was placed on IR. The team re-signed WR Lee Mays who should dress for the game.

Backup WR Nate Washington starts for Ward again and rookie WR Santonio Holmes starts for Wilson. Backup WR/special teams ace will likely handle the #3 role. Mays and backup WR Walter Young will also provide depth.

Starting FS Ryan Clark (groin) is out. Backup S Tyrone Carter is expected to start for him.

Starting SS Troy Polamalu (knee) is out again. Backup S Mike Logan is expected to start for him.
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Earlier this week, Detroit head coach Rod Marinelli was quoted as saying that veteran Jon Kitna will be the Lions’ QB for the rest of this year and most likely next year. That led to some speculation that the Lions, who would have the #1 pick at the 2007 draft were it held today, might pass on Notre Dame QB Brady Quinn who is expected to be the first player selected this coming April. Except Marinelli’s words really don’t mean much of anything. In fact, the Lions might be very happy to take Quinn with the #1 pick this year and then let him sit and learn through his rookie season next fall. That would make Kitna, who is in his 11th season this fall, the perfect choice to carry on at the helm of the Lions through the rest of the season and into next year.....


Former University of Miami and NFL quarterback Bernie Kosar said he is interested in becoming the school's next football coach, the Miami Herald reported Wednesday.
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