Stallworth trying to catch up

07.26.2008

He was back on the field Saturday morning, though the closest he got to a full-team huddle was walking up to hear the quarterback make the call.

Donte' Stallworth is fast, but he's more than willing to take it slow.

The newest addition to the Browns' receiving corps participated in his first training camp practice on a limited basis Saturday. He missed the first three days with a hamstring injury.

Stallworth isn't as concerned with catching up physically as he is about mastering the Browns' offense. Though it's important that he develops some on-field chemistry with Derek Anderson and his fellow receivers, he's a seasoned veteran who's played in 84 career games and has 31 touchdown receptions.

It's much more important that he knows exactly how he can use his speed, hands and run-after-catch ability to make an already dangerous Browns offense even more dangerous this fall.

"I'm just trying to keep up with everything," he said. "The main thing is just trying to stay abreast with the playbook. It's very challenging, but that's what I'm here for, that's what I get paid to do. I'm just trying to make sure I put in the extra time (like) I've been doing."

Stallworth called his injury a "minor situation" he's expecting won't be an issue for much longer.

"I'm getting there," he said. "I'm just working day to day to get it where I need to be. It was a good step for me today to be able to get out here with pads on."

At full strength, Stallworth could provide both a deep threat on the perimeter - he has seven career catches of 50 yards or more - and cause mismatches when he lines up in the slot. He can turn quick screens into long gains, and his big-play ability must be respected. At 27, he's still in his prime and was brought in not only to complement Braylon Edwards but also to keep reliable veteran Joe Jurevicius fresh.

A Browns offense at full strength could cause a lot of headaches for opposing defensive coordinators.

"Our ‘X' receiver, we kind of lost him because we were going to cut back on what Joe was able to do," Browns coach Romeo Crennel said. "So now we've got an experienced guy who has played in games and can run after the catch. You add that to the team and then with the addition of being able to put Joe in the slot, we felt that that would upgrade the receiving corps.

"I think that's what Donte' brings to the table and will bring to the table when we can get him back on the field."

For now, he'll be spending plenty of time in the training room and plenty of time helping the Browns' younger receivers as he did after Saturday's first practice. He said listening to the plays called in the huddle while he's not participating should help with his work in the meeting rooms as he continues to learn the Browns' offense.

When he does, he should be able to contribute in a variety of ways. Asked if he was a better deep threat or run-after-catch guy, he hinted that time will tell.

"I'll let the Cowboys figure that out," he said.

NOTES -- Also back at practice was Rex Hadnot, who missed Friday with an ankle injury. Still out was Jason Wright, who's battling a hamstring issue.

Kellen Winslow was on the field but was wearing shorts and not participating.

"That's the coach's decision," said Crennel, who also said he'd likely hold Willie McGinest out of the afternoon session. "We have to manage these guys to keep them as healthy as we can."

Winslow was given a few days off in last year's camp by the coaches as well to keep him fresh for the season ahead.

Crennel said Steve Heiden twisted his knee during the morning practice and Seth McKinney twisted his ankle. Both players were due to be evaluated Saturday afternoon.