BEREA — Coach Romeo Crennel didn’t give any details about tight end Kellen Winslow’s undisclosed illness, but he’s hopeful he can play Sunday at Washington.
“Kellen is at home and he’s resting,” Crennel said Tuesday. “He asked us for his privacy, so I’m not talking about it until he chooses to talk about it or he chooses to say it’s OK to talk about it.
“I’m hoping to have him for the Redskins.”
Winslow was in the Cleveland Clinic from Thursday through Sunday and was inactive for the win Monday night. Steve Heiden started in his place and caught five passes for 59 yards. Darnell Dinkins became the second tight end and responded with a 22-yard touchdown, his first catch of the year.
“I talked to Kellen before the game,” Dinkins said after the game. “I told him it was unfortunate that I got to play under these circumstances, but I would play hard for him.
“Not having him here and being able to produce is a big deal. Kellen is a big part of our offense and Steve and I stepped up and answered the call.”
Crennel was quick to praise Heiden, who’s been a Brown since 2002, longer than anyone but kicker Phil Dawson.
“Ever since I’ve been here, he’s been a tremendous player for this team,” Crennel said. “In 2005, he caught over 50 balls. Then when Kellen got back (from a motorcycle accident), he took a back seat and became a good team player.
“When we go to him, he usually produces.”

Injury report

Defensive end Shaun Smith missed Monday night’s game and likely won’t be able to play Sunday.
He played two games with a cast to protect a broken bone in his hand, then had surgery during the bye week. Crennel said surgery was chosen because the team was worried about the bone moving. Smith was expected to be OK in time for the Giants, but a checkup Thursday didn’t go well.
“The doctor doesn’t think he’s ready yet,” Crennel said.
• Crennel said the Browns suffered no significant injuries in the game. Safety Brodney Pool hobbled off with an ankle injury, but didn’t miss any time.
• Safety Sean Jones (knee) is expected to be ready for the Redskins.
• Receiver Joe Jurevicius (knee), who’s on the physically unable to perform list, is eligible to start practicing, but isn’t ready. The Browns have a three-week window to return him to practice, then another three weeks to activate him.
If he isn’t healthy in time, he will be switched to injured reserve and miss the season.
“We’re going to play it by ear and see how he’s coming along,” Crennel said.

Tucker’s strong debut

Ryan Tucker returned from a fractured hip from the first time this season and was part of an offensive line that allowed no sacks, one hit on quarterback Derek Anderson and paved the way for 144 yards rushing and a 4.8 average.
“Ryan Tucker held his own pretty good,” Crennel said. “Going in we thought we might have to rotate to keep him from getting winded but he was able to function. I think he made a case that he can still get it done.”
Tucker filled in at right tackle for Kevin Shaffer (concussion) and is likely to keep the job even when Shaffer is healthy.
“When Kevin comes back we will see who is going to give us the best chance,” Crennel said.

Extra points

Receiver Donte Stallworth started and had two catches for 19 yards in his Browns debut. He just missed a touchdown in the corner when the pass went through his outstretched hands.
• Jerome Harrison had two carries for 41 yards, including a 33-yard reverse, and two catches for 26 yards.
• Running back Jamal Lewis rushed for 88 yards, passing Earl Campbell for 25th on the all-time NFL rushing list. Lewis’ 9,428 yards are 1 behind Shaun Alexander for 24th place.
Contact Scott Petrak at 329-7253 or spetrak@chroniclet.com.

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