BEREA — Observers weren’t the only ones caught off guard Wednesday when Gary Baxter returned to team drills during both practices of minicamp.
“I did great, man,” said Baxter, who had been limited to running on his own and a few individual drills. “I actually surprised myself with a lot of the things that I’ve done today.”
Baxter tore both patellar tendons Oct. 22, 2006, during a game versus the Broncos. He tried to make the historic comeback last year, but wasn’t able to make it on the field for a game. He made the opening-day roster, but was inactive for six weeks before heading to injured reserve.
“He tried probably too soon last year and as a result he ended up having another procedure, so we have been taking our time with him,” coach Romeo Crennel said.
Baxter wouldn’t comment on the surgery, but said he feels 100 percent better.
“I pushed so hard to get back and make it happen and it’s almost like trying to put a circle into a rectangle. It just can’t fit,” he said. “I stopped trying to force it and started going with the flow. Right now the flow is flowing.”
Baxter signed with the Browns as a free-agent cornerback, but will make the switch to safety, which requires a little less quickness.
“The biggest adjustment is moving from corner to safety. I know I can get it done,” he said. “I gotta continue to write game plans down, go in there, learn, take what I got out of the classroom and apply it to the football field.”
Baxter remains a long shot to play again, because no NFL player has recovered from a pair of torn patellar tendons. But he lined up with the third-team defense Wednesday and broke up a pass to Kellen Winslow in the back of the end zone in a red zone drill.
“The best feeling is for me to be on the football field and not even having to worry about my legs,” Baxter said. “I am moving well, planting and driving and just playing football.”
Baxter said he’ll be ready to go full tilt at training camp in July.

Jurevicius on mend

Receiver Joe Jurevicius acknowledged that he had “a couple” of offseason surgeries to remove a staph infection that developed following arthroscopic knee surgery, but guaranteed he’ll be ready for the season and training camp.
“To the fans of Cleveland who may have thought that I might not be ready to play, I would not miss this season for the world,” he said. “It was a little obstacle to overcome, the obstacle was overcame and I’m ready to go.”
Jurevicius is the latest Brown known to suffer a staph infection. Winslow, Braylon Edwards, LeCharles Bentley and Brian Russell have been infected in the past few years.
“The most important thing is the staph infection is gone and things have gone well,” said Jurevicius, who’s out for minicamp while he rehabs at the team facility. “I think what everybody needs to know is I will be back, not only for the home opener, but for training camp.”

K2 looking good

Winslow’s knee must be feeling OK.
The tight end practiced twice Wednesday, including team drills, and was a primary target of the quarterbacks. He had arthroscopic knee surgery in February, skipped organized team activities last month and was limited to individual drills Tuesday.
“He is feeling better and doing a little bit more,” Crennel said.
One of Winslow’s highlights was pulling in a pass over the middle from Brady Quinn that was tipped by linebacker Kris Griffin.

Practice reps

Running back Jerome Harrison made a nice one-handed grab of a deep pass down the sideline. Linebacker D’Qwell Jackson had tight coverage, but quarterback Derek Anderson dropped the ball right over Harrison’s shoulder.
• Quinn connected with receiver Travis Wilson for a deep touchdown as Wilson continues to make a push to make the team.
• Running back Jamal Lewis fumbled in the backfield and the defense scooped it up.

Extra points

A fight broke out between veteran linebacker Antwan Peek and rookie free-agent offensive lineman Nathan Bennett during the morning practice. They took their helmets off, and Bennett threw a punch that didn’t connect.
After they were separated, Peek continued to yell at Bennett. When a still-heated Peek tried to re-enter the drill, an assistant coach grabbed him and held him out.
• Receiver Donte Stallworth and cornerback Brandon McDonald missed their second day of minicamp following deaths in their families.
• Minicamp concludes today with a morning practice.
Contact Scott Petrak at 329-7253 or spetrak@chroniclet.com. 

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