BEREA — The Browns have been walking on eggs in the locker room for a while now. What’s another dozen?

For weeks, players have talked carefully about the chance Brady Quinn might replace Derek Anderson at quarterback. Going into Monday night’s game against the Giants, Anderson’s 49.9 passer rating ranks ahead of just one 2008 regular, Kansas City’s Tyler Thigpen.

Quinn is a swirl of intrigue blowing through a season teetering on the brink.

That was true even before he stepped into the drama of a tempestuous presidential race, agreeing to introduce Republican nominee John McCain at a local rally. This came on the heels of defensive captain Willie McGinest’s public endorsement of Democrat Barack Obama.

On Thursday, coach Romeo Crennel said he warned players in a post-practice meeting not to let politics divide the team.

Quinn introduced McCain to an overflow crowd in Strongsville on Wednesday, alluding to the fact his father and McCain both are Vietnam veterans.

“This man has endured great adversity,” Quinn said in presenting McCain. “Too often we label people heroes. Tonight we have a real hero among us.”

Quinn is a backup quarterback but probably is as recognizable as any Brown. He might not be the backup for long. Giants coach Tom Coughlin said Thursday he is preparing for the possibility he might face Anderson and Quinn.

Quinn spent Wednesday and Thursday somewhat in the national spotlight. His appearance at the McCain rally, in the company of left tackle Joe Thomas, was alluded to on Rush Limbaugh’s radio show.

Both Quinn and Thomas stayed in the shadows in Berea, though, in the wake of Crennel’s directive.

A few other Browns shed a little light on how politics is mixing with football.

“Everybody talks about it,” defensive end Shaun Smith said. “It’s on TV all day every day. ... But you try to keep it out of the locker room, because you don’t want to cause no confrontation or nothing. ... You don’t want to step on nobody’s toes.”

Smith indicated he is an Obama supporter. Did it bother him that Quinn introduced McCain?

“It’s not a big deal,” Smith said. “Everybody has their opinion. Some people feel we should run the ball more.”

Offensive captain Hank Fraley, a center, said offensive lineman talk politics without becoming heated.

“In here, (politics) is more fun and games,” Fraley said. “We like to argue a little bit. Half the time none of us know what we’re talking about anyway.

“Brady represents McCain. That’s his view. He has the right. That’s why it’s America. You have the right to do what you want.”

What about Crennel telling his team he doesn’t want politics to become divisive?

“ ‘RAC’ was just basically telling everybody not to let politics affect what we’ve got going on here against a really good Giants team,” receiver Donté Stallworth said.

Stallworth’s view of Quinn introducing McCain?

“I was excited for him actually,” he said. “Regardless of whether I was voting for McCain or not, to be able to meet someone of his position and his power ...”



Stallworth out of idle

Stallworth says he no longer feels he would be a liability if he plays. The veteran wideout doesn’t think his quad injury will keep him out of a fifth straight game.

General manager Phil Savage said he is “excited” about what Stallworth can bring.

“Last year, we played a version of tall ball with Braylon (Edwards) and Kellen (Winslow) and Joe Jurevicius,” Savage said on his weekly radio show. “We just felt that Donté with his quickness underneath, his run-after-catch ability and his speed down the field would give us a dimension we didn’t have. We thought he would diversify our offense somewhat.

“I think he really is looking forward to getting onto the field. He feels like he’s got to make up for some lost time. He’s been very diligent in his comeback trying to get over to us.”



Medical report

n Winslow missed a second straight day of practice with an illness the team declined to explain. Crennel said Winlsow wants to play Monday.

n Kevin Shaffer sat out another practice because of a concussion. Odds are Ryan Tucker, who hasn’t played yet this season, will be the right tackle against the Giants.

n Nose tackle Shaun Rogers (shoulder), safety Mike Adams (foot) and running back Jason Wright (knee) practiced Thursday but were limited.



Extra points

n It remains to be seen how heavy Jerome Harrison’s workload will be. He rushed four times for 20 yards at Cincinnati after getting just one carry through three games. He has caught one pass in each of the last three games.

n If Stallworth plays Sunday and stays healthy, he will give the Browns 12 games. In 2006, he played 12 games for the Eagles and delivered 725 yards, with a career high of 19.1 yards per catch.