Browns secondary must get the job done without CB Joe Haden
"Sometimes you get caught up in situations you can't control," said CB Sheldon Brown. "This doesn't define him as a player or as a man."
But it does take away arguably the team's best defensive player.
The result is that replacement Dimitri Patterson will probably cover Bengals WR A.J. Green Sunday in two-receiver sets. Inexperienced Buster Skrine, who was a bit inconsistent in the opener against Philadelphia, will probably handle that assignment when Patterson moves to the slot.
Haden enjoyed his finest preseason and performed well after a slow start Sunday. Shurmur realizes his loss will result in coverage changes in the secondary.
"I think scheme-wise you're always flexible," Shurmur said. "If you have a guy who you think is your number one corner you can put him on their number one receiver. It's all perceived or you can play it right and left. We will hold our plan until game day."
Brown doesn't boast the speed to handle Green, that's why he will receive consistent double-teaming. Despite the emergence of wideout Andrew Hawkins and TE Jermaine Gresham, the Bengals don't boast another threat nearly as dangerous as Green.
"He's a good receiver, good talent and it's going to be a good challenge," Patterson said.
Fujita returns, but will he play: Outside LB Scott Fujita was back at practice on Wednesday after missing significant time with a left leg injury and waiting out a suspension for his alleged role in Bountygate. The surprisingly effective play of young LBs L.J. Fort and Craig Robertson in the season opener could limit his playing time or even end his tenure as the starter on the strong side.
Parker impressive: Among the early surprises for the Browns has been aggressive DE Juqua Parker. The free agent pickup was the most consistent pass rusher throughout the preseason and registered two quarterback hits against the Eagles in the season opener.
Stay dialed in on the Cleveland Browns Twitter at @CBSBrowns throughout the season with on-site updates from CBSSports.com RapidReports correspondent Marty Gitlin.
