BEREA - This hasn't been a good year to be a running back for the Browns.

Jamal Lewis recently expressed discontent about the way coach Eric Mangini's conducts practices, although he backed off a day later after a heart-to-heart meeting with Mangini.

Last week Jerome Harrison shunned reporters because he was concerned about what he might say. Perhaps not surprisingly, Harrison was placed on the inactive list for last Sunday's game in Detroit.

Harrison talked to reporters Wednesday, and for a moment he appeared ready to go off in vintage Lewis style, but he knew better.

If he was looking for a way to be inactive when the Browns play the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday at Paul Brown Stadium, criticizing the coach four days before the game might mean another week of sitting and watching.

It's obvious, however, that Harrison isn't the happiest of campers these days. He's been limited to 69 carries for 254 yards, and then came the news last week that he wouldn't play against the Lions.

"Deal with it," Harrison replied when asked his reaction after learning he wouldn't face the Lions. "Stuff happens. There's no need to cry or complain about it. Get back out to practice on Monday and Wednesday and keep working hard."

Mangini generally bases decisions of deactivating players on how they practice and what he expects from them on special teams, with the obvious exception of full-time starters. Harrison was never told why he wasn't active.

"He (Mangini) is the head man. He doesn't have to," Harrison said. "I'm the type of guy who's not going to ask and get back to work. That's all I can do."

Harrison and Mangini had a one-on-one meeting last week. Harrison wouldn't say who initiated the session, but a topic of conversation had to be the increased role being given to Chris Jennings the last two weeks at the expense of playing time for Harrison.

"He (Jennings) is young. He's inexperienced. He's enthusiastic, which is all encouraging," Mangini said. "That featured back role takes some time and there are a lot of things you have to do, but he is chipping away at a big role. He's come a long, long, long way since we first got him."

Based on recent history, Harrison should be active and receive many touches against the Bengals. Harrison rushed for 121 yards on 29 carries and caught five passes for 31 yards in the Browns' 23-20 overtime loss to the Bengals Oct. 4.

Harrison believes his best football is ahead of him. With his contract ending after this season and the possibility of a new coach being in place, his best football might be with another team.

"I really enjoy the guys I play with," Harrison said. "I love the guys in this locker room. Whatever happens after this year happens."

Harrison has never been viewed as a featured back at 5-9 and 205 pounds, but his speed makes him an interesting option as a change of pace. The problem has been his inability to effectively pick up blitzes and follow through on the blocks.

Mangini seems to have made his decision on the running back to complement Lewis, and for now it's Jennings, who previously played in the Canadian Football League. Harrison has been reduced to battling in practices simply to earn a spot on the active roster.

"I'm a confident person," Harrison said. "I know the talents God gave me. Stuff like this happens all the time. Priest Holmes, no one knew him right away. The list goes on of great running backs that took a long time. I'm behind Jamal. He's a great running back. I just take what I can. When it's time, it will happen."

It can't happen soon enough for Harrison.

mmclain@tribtoday.com