BEREA - It didn't take Browns cornerback Eric Wright long to forget the new rule concerning post-play celebrations.

After intercepting a pass by rookie Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford last Saturday, Wright was joined by a couple of teammates in celebrating the play a bit too much to the liking of an official. The Browns were penalized for unsportsmanlike conduct, moving the ball from the Lions' 5 to the 20. The best the offense could manage out of the field position was a 33-yard field goal by Phil Dawson.

The new rule prohibits players from excessive, staged celebrations. If Terrell Owens or Chad Ochocinco want to put on a show, they better take it to the sideline.

Fortunately, for the Browns, Wright learned a lesson in a meaningless preseason game.

"The rules are the rules, and we have to follow them," Wright said. "It's a real passionate and exciting game. We have to be reasonable about what we do. The good thing about that is that it was Saturday and today is Monday."

Coach Eric Mangini wasn't a fan of the show Wright staged. You can be sure he made Wright know how he felt.

"When something good happens you celebrate as a team and are happy for each other's success," Mangini said. "But if it costs your team or they try to get you off your game by talking to you or hitting you, and you strike back, they always get the second guy. It may make you feel good for about 10 seconds, but it's selfish."

• QUICK RETURN: When offensive lineman Rex Hadnot went down with a knee injury early in camp, the prognosis didn't look good. It was later determined that Hadnot didn't tear the anterior cruciate ligament, which would have ended his season.

Hadnot returned to the practice field Monday and should be ready for the season opener. Hadnot started and appeared in 15 games at right guard last season after spending four seasons with the Miami Dolphins. He had been working at both guard spots before suffering the injury.

• OUT OF ACTION: Free safety Brodney Pool didn't practice Monday because of an undisclosed injury. Pool has suffered multiple concussions since entering the NFL in 2005.

Mike Adams is in line for more time if Pool is out for any length of time.

"We had a nice rotation going anyway," Adams said. "I was still competing. It's unfortunate that Brodney's down. I don't know what his situation is and when will he come back. I just go in and do what I have to do."

• TOUGH GUY: Boxing commentator and trainer Teddy Atlas attended practices last week. Mangini got to know Atlas through the latter's association with New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick.

Atlas attended New York Jets' practices when Mangini coached the team.

"I didn't take me long to see what great insight he had on people and on competition and success," Mangini said. "He's a great guy to talk to."

Atlas worked with Mike Tyson early in the heavyweight's career.

• ROSTER MOVES: Three players were signed Monday - defensive back Tra Battle, offensive lineman Corey Hilliard and tight end Nate Jackson. Jackson had 11 receptions for 84 yards and one touchdown for the Broncos last season.

The contract of offensive lineman George Foster was terminated. Tight end John Madsen was waived and defensive lineman Melila Purcell was given an injury settlement.

• CAMPING OUT: Mangini continues to give Hank Fraley and rookie Alex Mack time with the first team at center. Fraley started the preseason game against the Packers, while Mack got the call against the Lions. Fraley was with the first team Monday. ... Most of Monday's practice centered on the ground game. James Davis and Noah Herron got most of the work. ... Cornerback Corey Ivy ran a lap after being called for pass interference. ... Receiver Joshua Cribbs exchanged words with cornerback Rod Hood after Hood broke up a pass. Cribbs thought interference should have been called. ... Wednesday's practice (1:30-3:30 p.m.) is the final time fans can watch practice.

mmclain@tribtoday.com