BEREA — Cornerback was the one position where the Browns could ill afford an injury. But that’s exactly where one hit — and it was a big one.
Daven Holly, who was competing for a starting spot with Brandon McDonald, blew out his left knee Tuesday during organized team activities and is expected to miss the season. Holly jumped to defend a pass to Braylon Edwards and landed awkwardly. Coach Romeo Crennel said Holly suffered cartilage and ligament damage, and Savage said the surgery will most likely be Friday.
“It doesn’t look good,” Savage said Wednesday following another practice. “This was a position that if you look at our roster and our depth chart, it was kind of a soft spot.”
Holly started 18 games in three seasons and was looking forward to the chance to start and set himself up for a big contract. The top two corners remaining are Eric Wright and McDonald, both entering their second year in the NFL.
Wright, a second-round draft pick, started 13 games as a rookie. McDonald, a fifth-rounder, got his first significant playing time at midseason while Wright was out with a knee injury. McDonald played well and assumed the nickel role.
Now he’ll be expected to win a starting spot.
“I think I’m up to the task,” McDonald said.
Even if McDonald solidifies himself as a starter, the Browns have serious depth concerns. They traded starter Leigh Bodden to Detroit in the offseason for defensive lineman Shaun Rogers and last week cut Kenny Wright, who was arrested on drug charges in the offseason.
“We’ll see who might be available, keep working with the guys we have on this team and come up with our best option,” Crennel said.
Third-year pro Jereme Perry was signed last week, A.J. Davis is back after spending time on the practice squad last year and the Browns brought in several undrafted rookies following the draft, including Mil’Von James and Damon Jenkins.
But an experienced veteran who could step in as the No. 3 corner is the team’s most pressing need.
Ty Law, who played for Crennel in New England, is a free agent. Savage said the Browns have room under the salary cap, but Law’s contract demands wouldn’t fit into the team’s budget.
Philadelphia’s Lito Sheppard is available in a trade, but the Eagles are asking for a lot and Sheppard would want a rich, new deal.
Savage said he was already in the market for a cornerback before the Holly injury and will intensify the search, which could last throughout the summer. He’ll explore free agents, the waiver wire and trades. He said bringing back Kenny Wright is unlikely at this time.
“We’ve got two players now with Eric Wright and Brandon McDonald we feel pretty good about, but beyond those two it’s kind of wide open,” Savage said.
The Browns have had a terrible injury history since returning to the NFL in 1999. They had a respite last year, but haven’t been as fortunate in the early-going of 2008. Starting right guard Ryan Tucker broke a hip in practice last week, had surgery and won’t return until August.
“Two weeks, two injuries, that’s not good,” Savage said. “You hate to lose anybody, but those are two players we’re counting on.”
Holly was tendered a contract by the Browns after last season but had yet to sign the deal that would pay him $1.417 million in 2008, his final year before unrestricted free agency. Savage said Holly had signed a clause allowing him to practice, and the team will honor the tender.

Notes

In an interview on SprintTV, available on YouTube, agent Drew Rosenhaus said tight end Kellen Winslow will attend mandatory minicamp in June and training camp in July. Winslow, who’s rehabbing after arthroscopic knee surgery, has yet to attend OTAs.
“These are voluntary activities,” Rosenhaus said. “The player has a right to train on his own. So what’s the big to-do?”
• Edwards suffered a hip pointer on the play in which Holly was hurt. He didn’t practice Wednesday and is listed as day-to-day.
• Linebacker Willie McGinest missed practice for personal reasons.
Contact Scott Petrak at 329-7253 or spetrak@chroniclet.com. 

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