BEREA — Cornerback Brandon McDonald thought things were bad when he was demoted from starter to backup two games ago.

They’ve gotten worse.

“I didn’t even get any reps with the backups,” McDonald said Thursday morning regarding practice Wednesday. “So I’m a specialist.”

McDonald, a fifth-round pick out of Memphis in 2007, started two games as a rookie, 15 games in 2008 and eight games this year. He was replaced in the starting lineup by Mike Adams on Nov. 22, but continued to play in nickel situations.

He said he wasn’t given a reason for the change Wednesday.

“I know that I can always play better,” he said. “But, honestly, I didn’t feel like I played bad enough to where I wouldn’t even be a backup.”

McDonald didn’t say who would back up starters Adams and Eric Wright, just that a lot of guys were getting reps. Ramzee Robinson, claimed off waivers Wednesday, is likely in the mix.

McDonald has given up too many big plays this year, but the further demotion is surprising considering starting safety Brodney Pool was placed on injured reserve Wednesday, testing the depth of the secondary. Adams has started at safety and cornerback this year.

McDonald hasn’t asked the coaches the reason for the switch.

“Going up there and talking to ’em is not going to change the situation,” he said. “I know that I can play a lot better and haven’t been near as consistent as I wanted to be. We just got to take it as they give to us.”

McDonald said he hasn’t felt the wrath of the coaches during film review.

“We’re 1-10, so there’s enough blame to go around for everybody,” he said. “All I know is I’m not out there.”

He’s obviously frustrated, but McDonald said it won’t be hard to keep working.

“This is a dream I’ve had since I was a little kid, so just being able to come out here and do this, that’s motivation in itself,” he said. “I know even if I’m not playing, whatever role I have, that’s the role that I’ll play.”

Before McDonald revealed the cut in practice time, coach Eric Mangini was asked if he’d be comfortable returning him to a starting role.

“Yes. Situations change each week and just because someone moves out of the starting role for a little while doesn’t mean they can’t move back in and play at a higher level than they’ve been playing and continue to improve,” he said.

Extension granted

The Browns were granted a 24-hour extension in their attempt to avoid a local television blackout of Sunday’s game against the Chargers. The original deadline for a sellout was Thursday at 4 p.m.

As of Thursday afternoon, a few thousand tickets remained, according to a statement released by the team. If the tickets aren’t purchased by today, the game will be blacked out within a 75-mile radius of the stadium.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster, and at the Cleveland Browns Stadium box office, which is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. today and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday.

The Browns haven’t had a game blacked out since returning in 1999.

Same, or old, L.T.?

Chargers running back LaDainian Tomlinson needs 56 yards to pass Jim Brown for eighth all time on the NFL’s rushing list. Tomlinson is 10th with 12,257 yards, and Marshall Faulk is ninth with 12,279.

Tomlinson is clearly one of the best backs in history, but has slowed this year following injuries the last couple of seasons. He’s rushed 148 times for 497 yards, averaging just 3.4 yards. He has eight touchdowns.

“People say L.T.’s not the guy he once was, but when I look on film, he still looks like L.T. to me,” Browns defensive end Robaire Smith said. “He has great vision, he still plays hard, runs hard.”

Mangini shared Smith’s opinion.

“I don’t think there have been dramatic differences with him,” he said of Tomlinson. “I see him make guys miss in the hole. I see him get the edge. I see a lot of the same things that you’ve come to appreciate over the years.”

Injury report

Guard Rex Hadnot (knee), fullback Lawrence Vickers (hamstring), defensive end Kenyon Coleman (knee) and linebacker Kamerion Wimbley (knee) didn’t practice. Wimbley and Coleman also missed Wednesday, while Hadnot and Vickers were limited.

Wimbley rode the stationary bike and did some agility drills.

Coleman said a helmet hit him in the knee Sunday. It’s doubtful he’ll play against the Chargers but doesn’t expect to go on injured reserve.

“I’ll be back. It’s just a matter of when,” he said.

Offensive lineman Hank Fraley (elbow) was added to the report as limited.

l For the Chargers, linebacker Shawne Merriman (foot), defensive end Luis Castillo (calf) and safety Eric Weddle (knee) didn’t practice. Center Nick Hardwich (ankle) was limited.

Linebacker Shaun Phillips (ankle) and defensive tackle Ogemdi Nwagbuo (ankle) practiced fully after sitting out Wednesday.

Toys for Tots

The Browns will partner with the U.S. Marine Corps for the annual Toys for Tots Campaign Collection. Fans are encouraged to bring a new, unused toy or monetary donation to the game Sunday.

Fans making a donation will receiver a coupon for a free meal at Northeast Ohio IHOP restaurants and a coupon to the team shop.

Volunteers will be stationed at each gate of the stadium leading up to kickoff.

Contact Scott Petrak at 329-7253 or spetrak@chroniclet.com.

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