Winslow stays away from Berea

BEREA - The Browns might have tight end Kellen Winslow back for Sunday's game against the Washington Redskins.

Winslow hasn't been at the team facility since Oct. 6 because of an undisclosed illness. He spent three nights last week at the Cleveland Clinic and was released Sunday.

Winslow missed the game last Monday against the New York Giants. He wasn't at the facility Wednesday under doctors' orders.

"Kellen is still being treated," coach Romeo Crennel said. "He's doing well. I spoke with him. I'm hoping he can play this weekend. He's questionable for the game, and questionable means a 50/50 chance he'll be there. If he keeps making progress, then he'll be there to help us try to win the game."

The Browns haven't released details about the illness because of privacy laws. Internet reports have stated that Winslow has received antibiotics for an infection.

Steve Heiden and Darnell Dinkins split time at tight end in Winslow's absence in the 35-14 win over the Giants. Heiden had five receptions for 59 yards. Dinkins caught a 22-yard pass for a touchdown.

TAKING IT EASY: Offensive lineman Ryan Tucker was held out of practice because of a sore knee. Tucker missed all of training camp and the first four games of the season recovering from hip surgery.

"It was the first major action he's had in a long time," Crennel said. "He's been around a while, so there's a little wear and tear on his body. We're anticipating that he's going to play."

GETTING THERE: Strong safety Sean Jones was back on the practice field for the first time since having arthroscopic knee surgery following the first game of the season. If Jones doesn't start against the Redskins, there's a chance he could be used in a safety rotation with Brodney Pool, Nick Sorensen and Mike Adams.

"I think I'm real close," Jones said. "I was close last week. They wanted to hold me and be safe. This week I'll go out there and get my feet wet and hopefully get out there against the Redskins."

NO WAY: The injury news isn't as promising in the short term for defensive lineman Shaun Smith, who had hand surgery two weeks ago. Smith didn't play against the Giants, and Crennel ruled him out for Sunday's game in Washington.

NO REGRETS: Redskins defensive end Jason Taylor looks back fondly on his experience on the television show "Dancing with the Stars." Taylor and his partner, Edyta Sliwinska, won the competition.

Taylor, who was with the Miami Dolphins at the time, was criticized by some members of the organization for his participation on the show.

"It was a positive thing for everyone involved - for the organization and for the NFL in general," Taylor said. "It showed in a positive light to 25 million people twice a week. There was no reason to look down poorly on it.

"Not everybody is going to like every decision you make in life. There were some people in the organization that didn't like it and some that did. At the end of the day you do what's best for you and your family."

INJURY REPORT: Pool (ankle) and offensive lineman Kevin Shaffer (concussion) were limited in practice.

Redskins running back Ladell Betts (knee) has been listed as out. Not able to practice were safety Chris Hinton (ankle), guard Pete Kendall (knee), running back Clinton Portis (hip) and offensive lineman Chris Samuels (ankle). Limited in practice were linebacker Khary Campbell (calf), cornerback Carlos Rogers (calf) and cornerback Fred Smoot (groin).

mmclain@tribtoday.com