Despite not being able to do much to improve our offensive line, the Browns are looking forward to the return of right tackle Ryan Tucker. The mysteriousness of Tucker's illness may never be known, especially with him ruling it as "irrelevent" at this point. Tucker is believed to be at 100% again, and will be returning to his starting right tackle position this week against the Atlanta Falcons. That means that Kelly Butler will return to the bench, which is somewhat of a shame. Butler isn't a Pro Bowler by any means, but I would rather see Butler stay at right tackle with Tucker moving over to one of the guard positions for the rest of the season. One interesting note - this will be Tucker's first game since Jeff Davidson became the offensive coordinator.
- Cleveland Plain Dealer
Despite getting healthy during the bye week several weeks ago, Charlie Frye is back to being hurt. Frye's thumb is still hurting, and he has a sore back after being blindsided on a false start penalty against the San Diego Chargers. Frye said that his thumb hurt his throwing ability during the game, and it didn't feel good after the game either. However, his thumb supposedly feels better now. Frye is expected to play, but is listed as questionable.
Another person listed as questionable is wide receiver Joe Jurevicius. Jurevicius has a sore back as well, but is expected to play. Cornerback Daven Holly has been back at full strength in practice, but it's still unclear on whether or not he'll play this week against the Falcons due to his undisclosed illness. Leigh Bodden will not play in all likelihood due to a high ankle sprain. Willie McGinest should return to the field this week.
According to the Plain Dealer's Tony Grossi, Joshua Cribbs has had the pleasure of simulating quarterback Michael Vick on the scout team this week. Cribbs was supposedly impressive in the role going up against our No. 1 defense. The Browns are expected to have Brodney Pool or Chaun Thompson be the quarterback spy on Vick all game long.
One final note: D'Qwell Jackson is on Peter King's all-rookie team. That sounds good, but there really aren't too many rookie middle linebackers to beat out.