DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum No Surgery For Bentley-For Now and FO Moves Article

No surgery for Bentley - for now
Jeff Walcoff, Staff Writer
06.05.2007

Browns center LeCharles Bentley will not have additional surgery on his injured knee at this time and will continue his rehab program, Browns general manager Phil Savage said Tuesday.

The team had pegged this week as a targeted time to decide whether Bentley would have another procedurethat would cause the Pro Bowl lineman to miss the 2007 season. Bentley's choice not have the surgery at this time leaves a remote chance he could rejoin the club during '07.

"It's probably a good sign he's not having the surgery," Savage said. "It probably shows there's some progress there. We're just pushing it off another few weeks to declare one way or the other for the 2007 season."

Savage said an additional surgery is not ruled out, however. The club will receive additional word on Bentley's condition, and whether or not he plans to have another procedure, within the next three to four weeks.

"We've indicated since the fall this was a pivotal week," Savage said. "I can report there's nothing scheduled for yesterday, today, or this week. He's opted at this point not to have another surgery and he's going to continue to rehab.

"Without reading too much into it, it's a positive sign there's a thought process that he's healing to a point where he can at least think about (returning to football)."

Bentley was the team's marquee free agent signing of an eventful 2006 offseason. He suffered a torn patellar tendon during the first day of training camp and missed the '06 season.

In other injury news, Savage said he's pleasantly surprised to see where injured cornerback Gary Baxter is in the midst of his rehab. Baxter suffered a pair of torn patellar tendons in a game against the Denver Broncos last October.

"He's really had tremendous rehab," Savage said. "He's been here just about every single day. As recently as yesterday he was out on the field doing exercises and running."

No determination has been made on Baxter's status for the '07 season.

Savage also said the expectation on Kellen Winslow's return to the field remains the same. His target date for return is training camp.

ANDRUZZI UPDATE--Savage also took time during his press conference Tuesday to send his best wishes to former Browns lineman Joe Andruzzi, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma in May.

The Browns found out Andruzzi might have a "medical situation" about two weeks after he was released by the club.

"Obviously Joe epitomizes an overachiever and he's the type of person who can battle this disease," Savage, who signed the former New England Patriot in March of 2005, said. "For everything we understand there'll be a good chance he'll recover from this."

Andruzzi started 27 of the team's 32 games during two seasons with the Browns.

CONTRACT TALKS--Savage said contract offers have already been made to each of the team's 2007 draft picks, while the club has met at least briefly with representatives of each of the team's first-day picks: first-rounders Joe Thomas and Brady Quinn, and second-round pick Eric Wright. Saveage declined to elaborate on the status of negotiations.

Savage said the talks were started early in hopes the club can get its draft picks into camp on time, as it did with all but one pick last year. He said getting in on time is especially important for No. 3 overall pick Joe Thomas since OTAs and minicamp aren't in pads, therefore it's difficult for a lineman like Thomas to get relevant experience and be evaluated properly.

In related news, Savage said starting left tackle from '06 Kevin Shaffer might soon begin taking some reps at right tackle.

PERSONNEL CHANGES--Savage dispelled rumors about the departure of Browns director of player personnel Bill Rees from the organization Tuesday by announcing Rees has taken a new role with the club in order to deal with a family situation.

Rees will now be stationed in Chicago and will serve with the title "player personnel and special projects".

Former assistant director of player personnel T.J. McCreight will be elevated to personnel director, while coordinator of pro personnel Steve Sabo will become the director of pro personnel. College Area Scout James Kirkland will now be the team's assistant director of pro scouting. Scouting Assistants Zac Bocian and Bobby Vega will be elevated to area scouts, while former coordinator of team operations Donovan Beidelschies will move to football operations and become a scouting assistant.

The lone new hire in the department is Daniel Jeremiah, who has joined the team from the Baltimore Ravens as a national scout.

Home Page Link

nothing new.. another recap article..

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In related news, Savage said starting left tackle from '06 Kevin Shaffer might soon begin taking some reps at right tackle.

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Go ahead...Now is the time to read between the lines,....it says alot right there, Thomas LT, Schaffer RT if he can convert, Tucker Back-up ?

In related news, Savage said starting left tackle from '06 Kevin Shaffer might soon begin taking some reps at right tackle.

That really needs to get started ASAP..

Proven...veteran ...Free agents

Rookies should have to earn thier place.

IMO

Great post. Phil knows more about coaching than RAC and rookies shouldn't have to earn their spots.

Brilliant.

Not to get ahead of ourselves before we know more, but does it feel a little like our luck is starting to finally turn around a little? If we got Bentley and Baxter for even half the season, JT looks good enough to start day one, Schaffer turns out to be solid at RT, and Tuck moves inside to be an above average RG, I would be beyond stoked.

-Jamey

I wouldn't even entertain the idea of LCB playing until I saw it with my own eyes.

If the Surgery would make him stronger, and be better for him and his health long term...I say he should do it.

This may be great news for Bentley and the Browns fans, unless we are just prolonging the inevitable...another surgery.

If Bentley plays this season, it could have a major impact on the Browns already improved offensive line.

For now, lets just hope Bentley's rehab continues to go well.

Aside from the results of the draft, if the content of this article is accurate, this is probably the best off season article I've read thus far. Contains good info on Bentley and a positive outcome (same with Baxter.) And also talks about coaching moves.

and best wishes to the Andruzzi family.

As usual. thanks for the post stabber.

Vers: You wrote this in the 'Hey, Tony!' thread...

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if the Browns want Shaffer to compete for a job on the right side, they need to get him some work over there.

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And then you grill DeepThreat on this thread for suggesting JT be allowed to start at Left Tackle.

So tell me... who should start at Left Tackle while Shaffer gets reps on the right side?
Look, I'm all for rookies earning their spot, but if Shaffer is practicing on the right, then JT should definitely be in there on the left. JMHO.

Am I the only one that fnds it strange that LCB has extacted himself from the camp and is doing his rehab out here in 104 degree heat? I imagine if I had gotten staph somewhere in the mix there, I might be hesitant to return, but it sure seems like there is almost some kind of problem going on other than the obvious physical one.

He doesn't have a play book and has had very little contact with anyone in the organization. It just sounds a little out of sync to me. JMHO

Here's another article from a different source link with some same and new info re Browns family.

Bentley decides against surgery
For now at least, center to continue with rehab
By Patrick McManamon
Beacon Journal sportswriter

BEREA - Browns General Manager Phil Savage provided a tiny glimmer of hope that center LeCharles Bentley might not have another operation on his surgically-repaired left knee.

Bentley has decided -- for now -- not to have surgery.

``We'll see where he's going to be in the next three or four weeks,'' Savage said after the team's offseason practice Tuesday. ``I'm told we'll be given some feedback at that time.''

Bentley tore his patellar tendon on the first day of training camp last season, then incurred a staph infection that put him back in the hospital and required the knee to be opened up again to be cleaned.

He has rehabbed away from Cleveland this offseason.

Savage termed the decision not to have surgery ``probably a good sign.''

``I think that shows there is probably some progress there with his knee,'' he said.

It does not, though, mean Bentley will play this season.

``We're just pushing it off three or four weeks before we're in a position where we're able to declare anything for this 2007 season,'' Savage said.

Bentley has done much of his rehab in Phoenix, away from the Browns.

Savage said that he has not met or spoken with Bentley since February -- though Bentley has spoken with some of the medical and administrative staff -- and Savage could not say if Bentley has the new offensive playbook.

``He wanted to get away and figure out where he's going to go with all of this,'' Savage said. ``We wanted to give him some freedom and give him room to operate.''

What does it all mean?

That there's a glimmer of hope Bentley will not have a second surgery on the patellar.

Said Savage: ``I think it's a positive sign that at least there's a thought process that he's healing up to a point that he can at least think about it.''

Other news

Savage touched on several other topics at his news get-together:

• The team has started contract talks with all their draftees and met face-to-face with the agents for the first three picks -- tackle Joe Thomas, quarterback Brady Quinn and cornerback Eric Wright.

The goal of the early talks: To get all players signed before training camp.

• Savage defended receiver Braylon Edwards, who missed the first day of offseason practices after calling in to explain why he would not be present.

``Braylon is not on an island somewhere doing his own thing,'' Savage said. He also said the fact that Edwards is practicing with the second and third teams, which Edwards again did Tuesday, is not significant.

But he added: ``I think (Edwards) has a lot to prove (this year). I think he realizes that.''

• Cornerback Gary Baxter's rehab from two torn patellar tendons is ahead of schedule.

``As recently as (Monday) he was out on the field doing exercises and running,'' Savage said.

• Savage said Quinn is doing a good job adjusting to the move from Notre Dame to the NFL.

Quinn continues to look a little lost in the offense, but receiver Joe Jurevicius said everyone on offense is working in a bit of a ``state of confusion'' at this point.

``I think when you're putting in a new offense and everybody is trying to get on the same page there obviously are going to be mistakes made. That's why they call it practice,'' Savage said.

On Andruzzi

The Browns seemed shaken by the news that former guard Joe Andruzzi has non-Hodgkins lymphoma.

``I've called him and talked to his mother, talked to his wife,'' coach Romeo Crennel said. ``Joe is strong-willed. He has always been strong-willed. He fights hard. He's been an overachiever and I think, hopefully, his attitude will allow him to pull through this.

``I know that attitude is not enough in this situation, but hopefully with the treatment and his strong will, he will be able to overcome this and get back so that he can live a good life from this point on. We're pulling for Joe.''

Andruzzi will start chemotherapy treatments soon.

Brownies

The Browns have two more practices before the minicamp next week (June 12-14). Tight end Kellen Winslow, who had microfracture surgery on his knee, will not participate in camp, but he remains on track to take part in training camp, Savage said.... Cornerback Leigh Bodden (ankle) probably will not take part, but linebacker Leon Williams (ankle) will after returning to the field this week.... Savage announced staff changes, some prompted by the fact that Pro Personnel Director Bill Rees will spend time in Chicago to be with his family. Rees' title, for now, has been changed to player personnel/special projects. T.J. McReight was named personnel director, Steve Sabo the director of pro personnel and James Kirkland the assistant director of pro personnel.... Running back Jamal Lewis (abscessed tooth) and cornerback Kenny Wright (family issue) were not at the workout Tuesday. Both are expected today and at minicamp.

And finally

Savage, Indians General Manager Mark Shapiro and Cavs GM Danny Ferry will be the featured speakers at a Winners Influence Network Leadership Conference at Baldwin-Wallace on Friday. The daylong event will include workshops from Browns assistant coaches Mel Tucker and Rip Scherer and hall of famer Paul Warfield as well as talks from Shapiro, Savage, Ferry (from San Antonio via video-conference) and former Browns coach Sam Rutigliano. Topics for workshops include ``The Influence of One Man'' and ``Getting the Most From Your Team.'' The workshop, which is directed to business leaders, church leaders and coaches, begins at 8 a.m. For tickets, call 216-812-3400. Information can be found at www.winconference.org. Savage's brother Joe, the founder and president of the Winners Influence Network, will host the workshop.

Canton News Link

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Great post. Phil knows more about coaching than RAC and rookies shouldn't have to earn their spots.

Brilliant.

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That was sarcastic right? I sure hope so anyway!

<<sigh>>

You and Spectre are so quick to jump to conclusions. Too bad they are usually wrong. I think Joe will start at LT. However, he does have to earn it. It shouldn't just be handed to him. In my opinion, Joe will earn it......just as he should.

I really wish you would quit worrying about me and educate us, "coach."

This article is really ominous if you ask me (I didn't see it posted):

http://www.cleveland.com/sports/plaindealer/index.ssf?/base/sports/118111924479850.xml&coll=2

Wednesday, June 06, 2007Tony GrossiPlain Dealer Reporter
A scheduled third surgery on LeCharles Bentley's left knee was canceled Tuesday, leaving the star-crossed Browns center's playing future as cloudy as ever.

Agent Jonathan Feinsod confirmed the surgery "is not going to be happening today" but declined to comment on whether it might be rescheduled.

Browns General Manager Phil Savage, who termed the development "a positive sign," said Bentley would re-evaluate his situation in three to four weeks.

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"I'm told we'll be given some feedback at that time, in terms of where he's going to be when training camp rolls around," Savage said.

But Savage would not speculate on Bentley's chances of playing in 2007 or thereafter. And there are no indications that Bentley is in the team's plans, at least for now.

Bentley, the team's marquee free-agent signing of 2006, tore the patella tendon in his left knee on July 27 and had surgery the next day.

In the next month, a staph infection set in and he underwent another operation.

Since then, the Browns and Bentley apparently have been miles apart - literally and figuratively - on the course of his rehabilitation.

Bentley has rehabilitated outside the auspices of the club. He has worked mostly in a training facility in Arizona - the identity of which Savage would not disclose - and partially in Columbus.

Savage said he has not seen or spoken with Bentley since the start of free agency in March.
"LeCharles and I talked before free agency and we had some good conversations," he said. "I know that several people both in the medical area and the administrative side have spoken to LeCharles over the spring. The conversation then was that he would go to Arizona, get away, do rehab and figure out where he's going to go with all of this.

"With a player like LeCharles, you have to give him some freedom and some room to operate. Obviously, we've had some communication with his representatives."

Feinsod would not comment on the relationship Bentley currently has with the Browns.

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"Nothing's going on," Feinsod said.

Feinsod previously has said he expected Bentley to play in 2007. But the Browns turned that page when they re-signed Hank Fraley to a four-year contract in March.

Bentley has not participated in the team's off-season program and has been away while the team is installing a new offensive system.

Asked if Bentley has a copy of the Browns' playbook, Savage said: "I can't answer that question. I'm thinking the offensive line coaches and Chud [offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski] have talked to LeCharles at least on one occasion."

Savage termed it "a unique situation."

"He's a hometown guy, got a big contract and it all ended in one day," Savage said. "So it's definitely a little different situation from some of our other players who've had injuries. But he's a unique player and talent."

Bentley was signed to a six-year contract for $36 million with a $12 million signing bonus. His base salary is scheduled to be $2.4 million in 2008, $3.4 million in '09, $5.9 million in '10 and $5.9 million in '11.

Savage said in the past Bentley would remain a member of the Browns in 2007, but the club would re-evaluate his status after that.

Bentley will count $3.4 million on the Browns' salary cap in 2007. He would count $8.6 million if they released him. In 2008, he would count $4.4 million if he stayed on the roster and $5.6 million if the club released him.

To reach this Plain Dealer reporter:

tgrossi@plaind.com, 216-999-4670

me thinks that they are going to try Schaffer at RT and if he can adjust then they won't trade him... if he can't.... he will be a big part of the trade talks before the opening game. JMHO

You can't just hand rookies starting positions... it doesn't matter if they are "the future." Handing players starting jobs without them proving they are the best puts yourself at risk of losing the rest of the team.

LOL. Vers, I'm not here to educate anyone. I do that for a living. But speaking of teenagers who think they know everything, you should work on a new comeback. The whole "coach" thing is really redundant and petty, don't you think? I'm not sure what you do for a living, but somehow I don't think you'd be offended if I kept calling you by your job title. It's like calling a pediatrician "doctor" and expecting them to be insulted. Oh no!! Not that!!! You're funny.

Another great response. Here's the scoop, coach. I think you are a phony and don't know squat about the game. So, if you wanna keep playing your game, be prepared for me to come back at you.

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I think you are a phony and don't know squat about the game.

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Do you think I was too subtle?

ROFLcakes @ this thread and "coach" being thrown out there.

Delightfully so. Subtle, BpG style.

...why are you sugar coating things vers?

I don't really know what's going on behind the scenes,but from the circumstances that we can see,I think your article is probably far more accurate than the original one posted in this thread. I hate to say that,but I've sort of suspected that for some time now.

JMHO

See, here's the thing Vers... I really don't give a rat's ass what you, or anyone else on here, thinks of me. You don't know anything about me. I'm not here to play games, educate anyone, or preach the truth. I don't come on here to have a pissing contest with you so everyone will respect me. I don't need the respect of anyone on this board, nor do I ask for it. I come here to find out about the Cleveland Browns and this site usually provides the most in-depth, up-to-date information. I don't have to go searching across the web for it. Every once in a while, I'll throw in a tidbit here and there and give you a Razz just because I know it gets under your skin. But then I'm no different than half the posters on here. It's just a shame you think I'm a phony and have to resort to such desperate claims because you feel threatened by me. I'm sorry to have hurt your feelings Versatile Dawg. Go lick your wounds. And feel free to ask me anything about football that you would like me to answer oh enlightened one. I'll do my best. But don't expect me to put on a clinic. I'm a high school football coach and have been a defensive coordinator. I've never claimed otherwise. Now, for everyone else's sake, I'll refrain from whoring this thread anymore because frankly, you're not worth it.

Blah, blah, blah. Look here, Phony Coach. You aren't a d-coordinator at the high school level. That is obvious to me. I knew it a long time ago but would have never said a word. You are the one who has started w/me on several occasions. I don't typically even respond to you. I only do so after you come at me. That's not football talk or finding out news about the Browns, as you so innocently claim. It's chicken- BS!

Now..........here's the deal. Stay the hell away from me and I don't expose you for who you really are. Simple, huh?

One thing before I go, coach. A team is playing Cover 2. What is the first responsibility of the Will LBer? What is his first key? How about his second? How does he know when cover an inside receiver over the middle of the field?

Note: To those of you interested, I'll be glad to answer those questions after Coach comes back and says "I don't need to prove myself to the likes of you. You are not worth my time."

General reply

Well we can look at the brightside, I doubt there was anyone besides Gary Baxter that held the slightest hope that he would ever see the field again. Less that a year later he is already starting to run.

AFter the staph infection, i thought for sure Bentley would have to go through another ligament replacement. The fact that he has come far enough along that they are willing to wait another 4 weeks to see how the ligament is progressing is about as good of news as we could have ever hoped for. I have to think if there wasnt a pretty good chance that the ligament and knee werent healing pretty good that he would have already had it done.

I know its still doubtful either player makes a return and if they do that they last anytime but its still a positive and if anyone deserves a change in luck its the Browns.

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What is the first responsibility of the Will LBer?

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Ooh!! Ooh!!!

I know this one!

His responsibility is to tackle the guy with the football!

I'm a genius!

I'm a football guru!

Personally a guy who is coaching HS doesn't mean they know squat anyways so I don't see the purpose of all this - I know more than you stuff.

Actually a good coach doesn't necessary mean they know a lot. What it means is what little they do know - they can TEACH it.

JMHO - now lets get back to the thread What is the thread anyways?

Pretty good answer, Kardiac.

Here's how I see it. The WLBer first priority is always to play the run. However, in Cover 2, he is expected to be an integral part of the pass defense. His first key is the TE. It's pretty easy to tell if the TE is run blocking or is releasing. His second key is the WR, especially if there are 3 receivers and one is in the slot. After checking to see if the TE is a receiver, the WLBer checks the outside WR to see if he releases to the outside. If he releases to the outside, the WLBer must cover his third of the underneath coverage, where the slot receiver likes to "sit down." This allows the corner to get a deeper drop and the safties can focus on the deeper half of the field. Bottom line.........TE is first key and the WR who is the widest is his second key.

tab: You are wrong about what coaches know. And Bentley won't be playing this year, so what else is there to talk about concerning him? And I wouldn't count on ever seeing him in a Brown's uniform.