Browns begin prep for Giants

08.14.2008

The Browns are down to their final two practices of training camp after Thursday's session in full pads came to a close.

The Browns will practice Friday afternoon and Saturday afternoon before breaking camp. Sunday, they'll fly to New Jersey to continue preparations for Monday night's nationally-televised game against the Super Bowl champion Giants.

They actually began the on-field part of their preparation Thursday, but Browns coach Romeo Crennel said they'll still do little in terms of actual game-planning.

"We showed them a couple Giants things," he said. "We started looking maybe a day earlier than we did for the first game. The biggest thing is we showed them some plays the opponent is going to run, but nothing major."

The Browns wore full pads for the first time this week and possibly for the last time in this camp.

"I think the guys enjoyed being in pads," Crennel said. "I think they know there's a game in a couple days and they need to make sure they can take a hit and know how to respond. Especially for the injured guys who haven't been back in pads, that builds their confidence."

**Crennel said he still hasn't decided on which receiver will start opposite Donte' Stallworth with Braylon Edwards out. "Maybe tomorrow," Crennel said. "We're still thinking about it."

**Rookie tight end Martin Rucker had successful arthroscopic surgery on his injured knee Thursday morning. "He'll start his rehab and try to get back on the field as soon as possible," Crennel said.

**Kellen Winslow and Steve Heiden again fully participated in practice, a sign they'll likely be available for Monday's game after missing the preseason opener. Starting fullback Lawrence Vickers went through another full practice as well.

**Besides Rucker, Beau Bell and Antwan Peek, who are all recovering from surgery, the only players missing from practice were Kevin Kasper (hamstring), Edwards and Kolomona Kapanui (knee).