BEREA -- Browns center Alex Mack and cornerback Joe Haden are both questionable for the Oakland game and both will make the trip today.
Mack (appendectomy) returned to the practice field and worked some with the first team offense today, meaning there's more of a chance he'll play.
Haden (sprained left knee) still trained inside, meaning he's more likely to sit out. Haden has not been seen by the media all week.
Coach Pat Shurmur acknowledged that Mack is closer "although both could play, neither could play. I think that's where we're at.''
Mack underwent an appendectomy on Oct. 3, but said this week he wants to play Sunday -- less than two weeks after the surgery. He said it would depend on how much pain he was in and how the small incisions have healed.
Mack worked with the first team during the short period of practice open to the media. If he can't go, Youngstown native Steve Vallos will replace him. Vallos also took some first-team reps during the open part of practice.
"(I'm feeling) better everyday,'' said Mack. "We'll take it one step at a time. This is where we wanted to be right now. The final decision will still be Sunday. Whether I play or not, I want to make sure it's the best choice for our team and the best choice for me.
"We want to make sure the person who can do the best job can play Sunday.''
Mack started feeling sick on Saturday Oct. 1, but played in the Titans game the next day. He threw up the morning before the game and needed I.V. fluids to be able to play.
If Haden is ruled out, he'll be replaced by Dimitri Patterson, who started 10 games for the Eagles last season. Patterson will then move inside on passing downs, with rookie Buster Skrine stepping in on the outside.
http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2011/10/cleveland_browns_center_alex_m_5.html
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