Rookie Jason Pinkston prepares for starting opportunity with Eric Steinbach ailing: Browns Insider
Published: Sunday, August 28, 2011, 6:42 PM Updated: Sunday, August 28, 2011, 6:43 PM
By Jodie Valade, The Plain Dealer
"If (starting) comes my way, I'll be there to step up," says rookie offensive lineman Jason Pinkston. "I've got some big shoes to fill."
BEREA, Ohio -- On a few occasions, Jason Pinkston admits, he's walked to the line and simply frozen. He is just a few weeks into his NFL career, and the fifth-round pick is still a bit overwhelmed, still learning.
"But Joe [Thomas] is over there saying, 'You know what you're doing?'" Pinkston said Sunday. "Then I've got Alex [Mack] to my right. They've been great about helping me out, I've got no complaints there."
The extra guidance from a couple Pro Bowl teammates will be needed all season for the rookie, and might be more essential for Pinkston than previously expected. Browns coach Pat Shurmur said Pinkston is the likely starter in place of left guard Eric Steinbach if Steinbach's injured back continues to keep him off the field.
It's a potential giant leap for Pinkston, a 6-3, 317-pound Pitt product who began training camp as the third-string guard after a college career spent at left tackle. Not only is he adjusting to his new life in the NFL, but he's moving to a different position and filling in for Steinbach, one of the stalwarts on a line expected to be a strength this season.
"If [starting] comes my way, I'll be there to step up," Pinkston said. "I've got some big shoes to fill, but I'm preparing myself every day. And I've got the guys in the locker room helping me out, so that's a good thing."
Left tackle Thomas, center Mack and other veteran linemen will be counted on to provide extra help if Pinkston earns the starting nod. A decision on whether Steinbach will need back surgery is expected within the next week, and the injury has the potential to sideline Steinbach for the season, at worst.
"The best thing for Pinkston is that he's got two Pro Bowlers on either side of him," quarterback Colt McCoy said. "That goes a long ways. Those guys will really help him and pull him along."
Already, Pinkston has learned subtle differences between playing tackle and guard. Everything is done in closer quarters, there's even less room for error because as Pinkston explained, "The quickest way to the quarterback is straight through the guards. At tackle you have a little more time to recover."
So far, he's proven to be a fast learner. The Browns are hopeful he continues to improve as he learns from his more experienced teammates.
"I tell you what, Jason Pinkston has made huge, huge strides in three-plus weeks," Shurmur said. "It's one thing to be on the perimeter running routes as a rookie and doing it, but when you're in there in the thick of it, it's very challenging for those big guys. It really takes development and seasoning and I think he's making huge progress."
Cover boy: Madden12 cover boy Peyton Hillis surprised teammates with a gift Sunday: An sneak preview of the video game he headlines. Hillis walked into the locker room with a couple boxes filled with Madden12, an advance copy of the game that will be released Tuesday.
Immediately, players began tweeting their thanks aimed at Hillis (@thepeytonhillis). Wrote Joe Haden (@joehaden23): "@thepeytonhillis just handed out #madden12 in the locker room! I no (sic) what I'm doing 2night!"
"I'm not a big gamer, but I'll get him to sign one for me, or something," McCoy joked.
Hillis earned his picture on the cover of the popular video game by virtue of a fan vote in May.
McGee impresses, first cuts made: With the final preseason game Thursday in Chicago, the roster is beginning to take shape. One position that Shurmur said is solidified is Richmond McGee at punter. McGee, who has not played an NFL regular-season game, is averaging 46.2 yards per attempt this preseason.
Asked whether he was worried about McGee's inexperience, Shurmur chuckled.
"You know, I've got a lot of things on my mind, quite frankly. I try not to worry about things," he said. "No, I'm not worried. What happens is if you watch a guy perform and if he does well, you feel good. If he doesn't do well, you grit your teeth and coach him up. In the case of the punter, I'm looking for him to have a good game this week."
The Browns waived defensive lineman Kyle Anderson, defensive lineman Jabari Fletcher, defensive backs Darian Hagan and Brett Johnson, receivers Juan Nunez and Johnathan Haggerty, quarterback Troy Weatherhead and kicker Jeff Wolfert. The roster is now at 80 players; the Browns have until Sept. 3 to cut it to 53.
Idle players: Players who didn't practice Sunday included: Jordan Norwood, Chris Gocong, T.J. Ward, Travis Ivey, Usama Young, Josh Cribbs, Steinbach and Brandon Jackson. The Browns are expected to decide this week whether Steinbach or Jackson will be able to play this season. Tight end Ben Watson spent the latter part of practice with his left hamstring iced and wrapped in a bandage
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