BEREA - If Joshua Cribbs is a fan of the Web site profootballtalk.com, he might not be a regular visitor to the site in the future.

On the site's home page Tuesday were a series of headlines, including one that read: "Cribbs not happy with Cleveland fans."

The short story that followed said Browns' fans were chanting, "Go, Pack, Go" near the end of the Packers' 31-3 win in Cleveland Browns Stadium last Sunday. It was actually many of the large number of Packers' fans in attendance who were chanting.

Cribbs, in a Tribune Chronicle story, said, "I hate it. It hurts when I hear that. I almost want to run up in the stands and boo with our fans. It reminded me of a couple of years back when Pittsburgh came in here and they overwhelmed our stadium. That should never happen, especially in Browns town. I don't care how bad we're doing. This is Browns town."

Cribbs said during the interview after the game that he didn't mean he wanted to join Browns fans to boo the team's poor performance. He meant he wanted to join Browns fans in booing the Packers faithful.

Cribbs said he didn't see Profootballtalk's take on his comments. He wanted to make sure fans know he would never be critical of them.

"I would go up with our fans and boo the Packers' fans," Cribbs said Wednesday. "We have the best fans in the land. I would never dog them out. Somebody is trying to start some controversy. True fans know that wouldn't be true."

Considering he's trying to get a new contract, the last thing Cribbs would do at this time is be critical of the fans. He knows most of them are on his side in his belief that he deserves more money.

• WHAT A CATCH: Tight end Michael Gaines might prove to be a valuable addition. He was signed last week because of injuries to Steve Heiden and Robert Royal, and he had two receptions for 30 yards against the Packers. He had a 21-yard completion to the Packers' 1, but the drive ended on downs early in the fourth quarter.

The offense has been in need of production at tight end since Kellen Winslow was traded to Tampa Bay. Heiden seems to be hurt all the time, and Royal hasn't provided much help.

"Mike has some good hands," coach Eric Mangini said. "We're just getting to know him. He made some nice catches over the course of the week."

• MAYBE THIS TIME: Each week there's talk that kicker Phil Dawson will be ready to go after missing time (now five games) with a right calf injury.

"He'll work through the week," Mangini said. "I'd like to think we have a good shot at that."

• INJURY REPORT: Not practicing Wednesday were linebacker David Bowens (not injury related) and Royal (hamstring, finger). Players who were limited included defensive end Kenyon Coleman (groin), Dawson, guard Rex Hadnot (knee), Heiden (knee), cornerback Brandon McDonald (shoulder), defensive lineman Shaun Rogers (foot), defensive lineman Robaire Smith (shoulder), fullback Lawrence Vickers (shoulder) and cornerback Eric Wright (shoulder). Participating in all drills were quarterback Derek Anderson (hip), running back Jamal Lewis (wrist), center Alex Mack (shoulder), defensive lineman C.J. Mosley (back) and punter Dave Zastudil (right knee).

Out for the Bears is linebacker Pisa Tinoisamoa (knee). Not able to practice were defensive end Adewale Ogunleye (ankle) and defensive tackle Matt Toeaini (calf). Limited were linebacker Lance Briggs (shoulder), defensive lineman Israel Idonije (knee), safety Daniel Manning (foot) and running back Adrian Peterson (knee).

mmclain@tribtoday.com