BEREA - Offensive lineman Branndon Braxton has been given another chance by the Browns.

Braxton, a graduate of Ursuline High School, was waived after the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers. He received a call from a team official last Friday and was re-signed and back on the practice field Monday.

Braxton's agent took phone calls from other teams interested in his client, but Braxton was pleased to return to the Browns.

"I knew there was always a chance of coming back," Braxton said. "I'm just glad for the opportunity."

There are a few roster spots available behind linemen expected to make the final cut - Alex Mack, Eric Steinbach, Joe Thomas, Floyd Womack, John St. Clair, Rex Hadnot and possibly Hank Fraley. Teams generally keep eight or nine linemen.

Another possibility for Braxton is the eight-man practice squad for rookies. He would have to be released again and clear the waiver wire before being signed to the practice squad.

"If it comes to that I'll take what I can," Braxton said.

Braxton, who played for coach Bobby Stoops at Oklahoma University, returned to Norman, Okla., after being released. Getting a call from the Browns was almost like divine intervention in his thinking.

"That's what someone told me," he said. "They gave me a second chance, and I'm going to try to make it work."

• ROSTER MOVES: According to WKNR radio in Cleveland, the Browns have released 13-year veteran offensive lineman Ryan Tucker. The Browns hadn't released a statement concerning Tucker as of Monday evening.

It's been reported that Tucker had arthroscopic knee surgery last week. He missed the first five games of last season recovering from hip surgery. He played in one game and missed the rest of the season with a knee injury.

Also waived were cornerback Rod Hood, linebacker Robert McCune and tight end Nate Jackson. Combined with the addition of Braxton, the moves mean the Browns have to waive two players today to get the roster to 75.

• INJURY UPDATE: Free safety Brodney Pool practiced Monday for the first time since suffering what is believed to have been a concussion Aug. 22 against the Detroit Lions.

• BE CAREFUL: Mangini was pleased to see linebacker Alex Hall return an interception 11 yards for a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans last Saturday. Mangini wasn't pleased to see Hall hold the ball out with one hand before crossing goal line.

"That sounds like coach," Hall said. "He told me about it. It's ball security. Taking care of the ball."

• WHAT A GUY: Mangini spoke highly of former NFL linebacker Tedy Bruschi, who announced his retirement Monday. Mangini was an assistant coach in New England during part of Bruschi's career with the Patriots.

"Tedy is an unbelievable guy," Mangini said. "I swear he's made of elastic with the way he could get around blockers and torque his body. The energy he brings to a practice and the intensity he has at all times ... he demanded a high level of performance from himself but also from those around him. He makes people around him better."

• WHERE'S THE TIP?: Mangini joked about a time when the players were housed in a hotel during training camp when a pizza delivery person arrived after curfew. When Mangini found out the pizza was for defensive lineman Robaire Smith, he personally delivered the box to the room of a surprised Smith. Mangini later sent a text message to Smith to ask why he didn't get a tip.

"When I first saw him I was shocked," Smith said. "I almost shut the door, but I didn't. It was pretty funny. He was cool about it. It was at the time of camp when I needed a little laugh, and he gave me that for a couple minutes."

mmclain@tribtoday.com