Browns put Lewis on IR

By MIKE McLAIN

Tribune Chronicle

BEREA - Running back Jamal Lewis has not only played his final down with the Browns, but he's probably played the final game of his 11-year NFL career.

Lewis was placed on injured-reserve Wednesday evening with concussion symptoms. He was injured last Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, a game in which he rushed for 40 yards on 11 carries.

"Jamal has been an integral part of this team, and he has exhibited a great work ethic," coach Eric Mangini said. "He worked hard, studied hard and set a good example for the younger running backs."

Lewis announced recently his plan to retire after this season. If he follows through on those plans, he'll finish with 10,607 career rushing yards and 58 touchdowns. His best season was for the Baltimore Ravens in 2003, when he rushed for 2,066 yards and 14 touchdowns, including 295 yards in a game against the Browns.

Lewis is considered a borderline Hall of Fame candidate.

Lewis was inactive for games earlier this season against Baltimore and Cincinnati with a leg injury.

He played in the last seven games. He ends the season with 500 yards rushing on 143 carries. He didn't score a touchdown.

TOUGH TO SEE: Defensive lineman C.J. Mosley hated to see teammates Shaun Rogers and Brodney Pool suffer injuries last Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals. Rogers suffered a season-ending injury to his lower leg. Pool suffered a concussion.

"As far as being on the field and seeing it happen live and in person, there's no feeling like it," Mosley said. "I thought land mines were on the field. I didn't know what was going on."

STILL THE PLACE: Quarterback Brady Quinn doesn't think Notre Dame's image has taken another hit now that Charlie Weis has been fired.

"I do (think it's a good job)," Quinn said. "I'm a little bit biased."

"ESPN" analyst Kirk Herbstreit came down hard on Notre Dame during the pregame show last Saturday. Herbstreit was surprised that so much attention has been paid to the Weis situation, adding that the Fighting Irish haven't been relevant as a national power for a long time.

"That's his opinion," Quinn said.

FORMER BROWNS: Rob Chudzinski, the Browns offensive coordinator the previous two seasons, is the Chargers tight ends coach. Chargers special teams coach Steve Crosby coached Browns running backs in 1985 and from 1991-94. He was the offensive coordinator in 1995. Chargers offensive line coach Mike Sullivan worked with Browns offensive linemen from 2001-04 and 07-08.

NO TV?: Several thousand tickets remain for Sunday's game at Browns Stadium. If it's not sold out before 4 p.m. today, it will be the first game blacked out since November of 1995 for a game against Green Bay.

SUPER CHARGERS: Mangini always has music playing loudly during practices. One of the selections during the warm-up session Wednesday was the San Diego Chargers' theme song "Super Chargers."

ROSTER MOVE: The loss of Rogers for the remainder of the season created a roster spot for Brian Schaefering, who had been on the practice squad. Schaefering signed with the Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2008. He spent one week on the practice squad before being signed to the New York Jets' active roster.

In other moves, running back Jed Collins and defensive back Michael Grant were signed to the practice squad.

INJURY REPORT: Linebacker Kamerion Wimbley worked out on a stationary bike and missed practice. Wimbley is dealing with a knee injury. Defensive end Kenyon Coleman (knee) also missed practice. Pool has been officially listed as out. Limited in practice were linebacker David Bowens (knee), linebacker Blake Costanzo (shoulder), offensive lineman Rex Hadnot (knee), running back Chris Jennings (shoulder), tight end Robert Royal (thigh-finger) and fullback Lawrence Vickers (hamstring). Safety Mike Adams (finger) and receiver Jake Allen (hip) were full-go.

mmclain@tribtoday.com