DaytonDailyNews.com

So much for the theory that quarterback Ken Dorsey would be retained as a mentor to rookie Brady Quinn. The Cleveland Browns terminated Dorsey's contract Saturday and made 21 other roster moves to reach the 53-man limit.

"We felt like we kept the three who give us the best chance to win," General Manager Phil Savage said.

No starter has been named, but Charlie Frye is the clear favorite, with Derek Anderson as the backup and Quinn looming.

Kiss of death?

Savage gave head coach Romeo Crennel (10-22 in two seasons) the dreaded vote of confidence.

"There is no Romeo Crennel watch in this building," Savage said. "There is no hot seat. If we get beat 50-0 in the first six games, that's a different story, but I don't think that's going to happen.

"We're going to be in good shape with Romeo. It's not a question upstairs, downstairs, in the basement or anywhere else in Berea."

Baxter makes it

He won't play initially, but cornerback Gary Baxter (double knee surgery) survived. Savage: "He deserved a shot to see where he is over the next few weeks."

True survivor

Second-year defensive back Jereme Perry's speed and special teams ability earned him a roster spot despite a training-camp illness that slowed him. Perry, who plays cornerback and safety, is represented by Dayton-based agent Ron Todd.

Numbers game

Ten players remain from the team Savage and Crennel inherited after the '04 season.

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2408 or smcclelland@DaytonDailyNews.com.