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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 3:17 p.m., Monday, August 25, 2008

NFL: Browns QB Anderson still not cleared to practice

Associated Press

BEREA, Ohio — Cleveland Browns quarterback Derek Anderson wasn't cleared to return to practice today, so Brady Quinn likely will start his second straight game Thursday night in the preseason finale against the Chicago Bears.

Anderson suffered a concussion Aug. 18 when he was sacked by New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora and his helmet banged off the Giants Stadium turf. He hasn't practiced or talked to the media since.

Coach Romeo Crennel said Monday that Anderson hasn't passed tests designed to determine whether he's returned to normal brain function.

"He's in the building and walking around," Crennel said. "Those concussions, you've got to go slow with those. They say rest is the best thing."

Anderson was one of seven starters, including kick returner Joshua Cribbs (ankle), who didn't play Saturday in a 26-6 loss to the Lions that dropped the Browns to 0-3 in the preseason.

Receiver Braylon Edwards (foot), running back Jamal Lewis (hamstring), safeties Sean Jones (swelling in knee) and Brodney Pool (concussion) and linebacker Willie McGinest (groin) also stayed behind in Cleveland to recover.

Crennel said they're all progressing, but McGinest was the only one who practiced Monday, and he left the field after individual drills.

If the injured players are unable to practice Tuesday they won't play against the Bears, Crennel said. The club is focusing on getting everyone back for the Sept. 7 regular-season opener against Dallas.

"We've got 10 days after the Chicago game," Crennel said. "If we can get some good work in those 10 days, the guys have enough experience and have worked together for last year, that they'll be able to jell."

Despite Anderson's continued absence, Crennel said he hasn't started preparing Quinn for a possible start against the Cowboys, which would be his first regular-season NFL start.

Quinn was 14-for-24 for 106 yards versus the Lions. He led two field-goal drives in a little more than a half of playing time.