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Baxter trying to make team as a safety
Thursday, June 12, 2008
BEREA — Gary Baxter is back. Seems we've heard this before about the defensive back, but this time it might be true.
Bidding to become the first NFL player to return from two torn patellar tendons, Baxter worked in team drills Wednesday morning for the first time since suffering the injuries in 2006.
Extras
The former cornerback will get every chance in training camp to prove he should stick with the team as a safety — unless he goes the LeCharles Bentley route and demands his release.
"Just to be on this page right now gives me the confidence to know I can practice and I can play," Baxter said. "It's like a hundred times better than last year. A night-and-day difference."
Baxter missed much of the 2006 season following double knee surgery, then the entire 2007 campaign. This is likely sink-or-swim time for him.
"It's no easy work," he said of the rehab, "but the payoff is showing through right now. I'm on the right track and I'm going to stay on the right track."
Baxter said he's had more surgery than just the initial repairs. He would not specify exactly how many procedures have taken place, citing a desire to keep looking forward.
What knee surgery?
Tight end Kellen Winslow had knee surgery in February, but you wouldn't know it from watching him Wednesday. He took a few reps during the team period, catching and running like . . . well . . . Winslow.
His best play found him getting behind a linebacker, catching a tipped pass from Brady Quinn, then bolting 40 yards for a pretend touchdown.
"He's feeling better, so he's doing a little bit more," head coach Romeo Crennel said.
Don't expect to hear from Winslow this week — about anything. He's told the Browns he intends not to talk to the media during this camp.
Praise for Vickers
One of the unheralded facets of what's become a dynamic offense is Lawrence Vickers, the undersized third-year fullback.
"That's where all those creases come from, depending on what he does," running back Jamal Lewis said. "He's a great fullback and he knows how to get up in there and finesse the block sometimes, and if has to put his nose in there, he can."
Now the Browns want Vickers to develop into a pass-catching threat out of the backfield. That's a work in progress. He dropped one over the middle Wednesday, then recovered to catch a couple of dump-offs.
