Jack Del Rio

Jack Del Rio
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Friday, August 11, 2006 - 12:00 AM

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NFL Notes: Winslow bright spot for Browns

By Seattle Times news services

PHILADELPHIA — Kellen Winslow made some blocks, caught a couple passes and took a few hits.

The highlight-reel catches and touchdown celebrations can wait. For now, this was progress.

Playing his first game in nearly two years, the Browns tight end made two catches in Cleveland's 20-7 preseason loss to the Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday night.

"It was really good to get back out there," said Winslow, whose career was stalled by an in-game leg injury and a motorcycle accident. "I just wanted to get tackled to get some confidence back."

Donovan McNabb looked sharp for the second straight game, completing his first five passes and finishing 7 for 9 for 78 yards. He led the Eagles to a score on the opening drive and went to the sideline after the second series.

Other than Winslow, the Browns didn't get much production. The starters and backups on offense put up 99 total yards through 3 √ quarters.

After the game, Browns coach Romeo Crennel announced that veteran center Bob Hallen would announce his retirement today because of a back injury.

Other game

At Rams 19, Colts 17

Indianapolis opened its preseason with a successful onside kick by newcomer Adam Vinatieri, and Peyton Manning quickly made the most of his brief appearance by throwing a touchdown pass in the Colts' loss to St. Louis.

Neither team wasted time in getting key players out of harm's way: Manning and receivers Marvin Harrison and Reggie Wayne were gone after one series, while St. Louis played quarterback Marc Bulger, running back Steven Jackson and receivers Torry Holt and Isaac Bruce two series apiece.

New Rams coach Scott Linehan, who has pledged more emphasis on the run than his predecessor Mike Martz, saw good things from Jackson in his brief stint. Jackson carried five times for 41 yards, including runs of 16 and 23 yards.

Notes

• Doctors were working to determine what caused Washington rookie OL Kili Lefotu to lose consciousness in his room on Wednesday.

He was found in his room after failing to show up for evening practice. Trainer Bubba Tyer said Lefotu had been alert enough to ask an operator to call 911, then drifted in and out of consciousness after paramedics arrived.

• Titans RB LenDale White brawled with a teammate in practice, clashing after a running play. When White walked back to the huddle, S Donnie Nickey pushed back at the rookie with his helmet. A recording by a television cameraman picked up LB Keith Bulluck yelling that White had spit in Nickey's face.

A few plays later, White couldn't catch a pass when hit by CB Cortland Finnegan. Nickey ran upfield and shoved White in the back. White elbowed S Vincent Fuller amid more pushing and shoving. Nickey threw at least one punch before a group of players were separated.

"There's stuff that goes on out there that shouldn't have gone on out there," coach Jeff Fisher said. "It will not happen again."

• Former Michigan State QB Jeff Smoker agreed to a two-year contract with the Chiefs.

• RB Deuce McAllister and TE Ernie Conwell, both recovering from knee surgery, will sit out the Saints' exhibition against Tennessee on Saturday.

• Dolphins OG Seth McKinney underwent surgery to repair a neck disc and is expected to be sidelined two to three months.

• Broncos DE Courtney Brown will be out the entire exhibition season after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee.

• Panthers S Mike Minter will be away from the team indefinitely after the death of his mother Thursday morning.

• Chargers head coach Marty Schottenheimer apologized for saying new starting QB Phillip Rivers will be tested "when the bullets start flying." Schottenheimer said his words were unfortunate while U.S. troops are in combat.

Copyright © 2006 The Seattle Times Company


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