Jurevicius' career might be finished

BEREA - Barring a sudden change in his condition, it appears that the career of receiver Joe Jurevicius might have come to an end.

Jurevicius, who was set to enter his 11th season, has been on the reserve-physically unable to perform list all season with complications that developed after having knee surgery last February. Jurevicius developed a staph infection and has had multiple surgeries to try to clean out the infection.

Players placed on the PUP list must remain ineligible through the first six weeks of the season. That period of time is followed by a three-week window during which a decision on the player's roster status has to be made. If the player's injury hasn't healed by then, he's placed on injured-reserve and can't play the rest of the season.

Coach Romeo Crennel announced Wednesday that a decision will be announced later this week or early next week. Crennel indicated that the decision probably won't be good for Jurevicius or the team.

"We'll be coming out with a statement about what his status is, but generally it doesn't look very good," Crennel said.

Jurevicius has another year left on the four-year contract he signed in 2006. However, he said during training camp that he would make a retirement decision at the end of this season.

Jurevicius has dealt with knee pain in recent seasons. He'll turn 34 on Dec. 23.

TAKING A BREAK: Strong safety Sean Jones was held out of practice Wednesday because of knee soreness. Jones had arthroscopic surgery Sept. 11 and missed the next four games. He played against the Redskins and Jaguars.

"Even though Sean is back, he's back ahead of schedule," Crennel said. "By resting him, it gives him a chance to catch up."

MAYBE THIS WEEK: Defensive lineman Shaun Smith had the cast removed from his left hand and was limited in practice Wednesday. Smith, who missed three straight games, hopes to play against the Ravens with a protective device.

"I've been itching (to get back)," Smith said. "But the last two weeks I was able to see a lot that goes on during a game that I never get to see. Somewhat like a little coach. I'm anxious to get back and fit in with the rest of the guys and get the chemistry back."

SLOW GOING: Offensive lineman Ryan Tucker missed practice with a sore knee. Tucker has played in only one game this season because of hip surgery and now the knee problem.

ESPN ZONE: ESPN reporter Kenny Mayne was at the facility Wednesday. Mayne, known for his off-beat feature stories, is filming a piece on water bottles. It should be interesting to see how that one turns out.

ROSTER MOVES: The Browns have signed offensive lineman Kurt Quarterman to the practice squad. Offensive lineman Christian Gaddis was waived to make room for Quarterman.

Quarterman spent one week on the Giants' practice squad earlier this season. He was on the Falcons' practice squad all of last season.

INJURY REPORT: Joining Jones and Tucker as no-shows at practice were fullback Lawrence Vickers (ankle) and defensive end Corey Williams (shoulder). Limited were safety Mike Adams (hamstring), linebacker Shantee Orr (foot), Smith and receiver Donte Stallworth (quadricep).

Ravens safety Dawan Landry (neck) has been ruled out. Not able to practice were cornerback Chris McAlister (knee), running back Willis McGahee (ankle) and tight end Daniel Wilcox (thigh). Limited were linebacker Brendon Ayanbadejo (ankle), receiver Yamon Figurs (knee), offensive tackle Jared Gaither (neck), tight end Todd Heap (neck), cornerback Samari Rolle (neck), offensive tackle Adam Terry (knee) and cornerback Frank Walker (thigh).

mmclain@tribtoday.com