STEVE DOERSCHUK
BEREA — Seth McKinney is quiet and unassuming off the field, but it is a mistake to assume the Browns don’t need him.
The 2007 team was hitting a groove with McKinney as the new right guard. But just as the Browns were in the process of winning their fourth game in five outings, McKinney’s right shoulder went out in the third quarter against Seattle.
He missed the rest of the season but is back with the team. He’s a bit invisible because he missed two weeks with an ankle injury, but he is relieved to be back in 11-on-11 drills.
“I’ve still got that big air cast on,” McKinney said, giving his right ankle a dirty look, “but it’s getting there.”
“I have no reason to think I won’t be ready for the season.”
A former Round 3 pick out of Texas A&M;, McKinney became the Dolphins’ starting center in 2004 and 2005 before losing the 2006 season to a neck injury. He made a strong comeback with the Browns in 2007 before getting hurt, at which point Ryan Tucker took over at right guard.
Oddly, with Tucker recovering from a broken hip, the current No. 1 right guard is Rex Hadnot.
McKinney and Hadnot were Dolphins teammates for three years. They lined up together in 2006, McKinney as the starting center, Hadnot as the No. 1 right guard. When McKinney missed the last three games with a leg injury, Hadnot slid over to center.
At 29, McKinney is still interested in supporting his wife and three daughters with an NFL paycheck.
“I got hurt in the fourth practice, then I was out for two weeks in a crucial camp,” McKinney said. “I’ve got to get with things. But it’ll be there.”
McKinney is one of the reasons the Browns think they have great line depth. He provides solid insurance at center and guard.
Not that he’s selling insurance.
“Everyone’s goal is to start,” he said. “That was my goal at the beginning of camp. That’s my goal always.
“I’m not out here preparing to be a backup.”
Mean Mr. Rogers
One sign McKinney is back from an ankle injury: He spent part of Wednesday’s practice head up against beastly defensive lineman Shaun Rogers.
“He’s a top-caliber player,” McKinney said. “It’s obvious he’s better than your run-of-the-mill nose guard.
“I don’t see any reason he can’t have a great year.”
Hot Rubin
The team sorely needs depth behind veteran defensive linemen Rogers, Corey Williams, Robaire Smith and Shaun Smith. Rookie Round 6 pick Ahtyba Rubin could be the answer.
“He flashes for you,” Romeo Crennel said. “He’s a big, strong, physical guy on the inside, has excellent strength and he has been surprising. He is a little bit better than some people thought he was going to be.
“He looks like he’s picking up the system pretty good.”
Mel’s defense
Crennel shared his impressions of new defensive coordinator Mel Tucker’s progress after three weeks of camp:
“He’s doing a good job. He has one game under his belt, so he has a feel for what it takes to call a game. He did a nice job of that in the Jets game.
“He relates well to the players. He is organized and has a plan for what he wants to do.”
Edwards update
Braylon Edwards’ freak foot injury may be one reason Kellen Winslow Jr. said he was “frustrated” Wednesday.
Crennel still isn’t saying when Edwards might return from a cut that require stitches and a night at the hospital.
“He’ll be back when he’s ready,” Crennel said. “They changed the dressing, and it looks like there was a cut. So now they’ll be a new dressing on and keep him off of it and try to get it well. That’s what we do.”
Extra points
n Crennel said he expects tight ends Winslow and Steve Heiden to play against the Giants on Monday. They missed the Jets game.
n Kevin Kasper missed another practice with his hamstring problem.
n There are three more chances for fans to see the Browns practice in 2008: Today, Friday and Saturday. The final three training camp practices all will be 2:30-4:30 p.m. sessions.
