BEREA - The Browns will enter the season opener in relatively good physical condition, with the possible exception of linebacker.
Chris Gocong, who was slated to start on the weak side, was lost for the season with a torn Achilles' tendon early in training camp. Scott Fujita, who would start on the strong side, is back from a minor knee injury but is not expected to play because of a four-game suspension.
The starters on the depth chart next to middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson are rookie James-Michael Johnson on the strong side and Kaluka Maiava on the weak side. Fujita, who was reportedly involved in the New Orleans Saints' bounty scandal, is hoping that an appeals court will overturn his suspension.
The depth could be further altered if Johnson isn't able to play because of an oblique injury he suffered in the preseason finale. Johnson was on a stationary bike and wasn't able to practice Wednesday.
Coach Pat Shurmur disagrees with the belief that depth is a problem at linebacker. The three backups are recently-signed rookie Tank Carder, rookie free agent L.J. Fort and one-year veteran Craig Robertson, who didn't play in the NFL last season. Fort will likely start if Johnson can't go.
"We have lots of linebackers," Shurmur said. "The guys that have to play will do a great job. I'm not concerned."
IT LOOKS LIKE A GO: Unless NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell makes a late move, it appears that cornerback Joe Haden will be available to play Sunday. Haden was given a four-game suspension in early August for failing a drug test for the prescription medication Adderall.
Haden has appealed the suspension. He'll remain eligible until, or if, the NFL rules against the appeal.
Shurmur has been consistent in not revealing details about the suspension. He said Wednesday that all questions should be directed to team president Mike Holmgren.
CAPTAIN SMITH: Each week the three elected captains - Joe Thomas (offense), D'Qwell Jackson (defense) and Phil Dawson (special teams) - will select a fourth captain that will be on the field for the opening coin toss. Tight end Alex Smith was the choice this week.
"I think they chose wisely," Shurmur said. "When you're looking for players, you're looking for guys that are passionate, productive and durable. He's been all those things. He plays on special teams. He plays on the line of scrimmage and in the backfield on offense. He's a tough guy."
NOT WISE: Eagles coach Andy Reid wasn't a big fan of the "Dream Team" moniker that was put on the Eagles last season by quarterback Vince Young, who's no longer with the team. The Eagles got off to a terrible start and finished 8-8.
"I didn't think much of that, to be honest with you," Reid said. "I really like Vince Young. He's a great kid. He was kind of joking about that and it kind of picked up momentum from there. I don't put much on that. I didn't think about it then, and I'm not thinking much about it now."
INJURY REPORT: Not able to practice for the Browns were offensive tackle Oniel Cousins, offensive lineman John Greco and Johnson. Limited in their work were tight end Jordan Cameron (groin), safety Eric Hagg (illness), quarterback Thaddeus Lewis (thumb), running back Chris Ogbonnaya (ankle), defensive back Dimitri Patterson (knee), running back Trent Richardson (knee), safety Ray Ventrone (hamstring), tight end Benjamin Watson (thigh) and safety Usama Young (thigh).
Out for the Eagles are safety Colt Anderson (knee) and receiver Riley Cooper (collarbone). Those able to fully participate were safety Nate Allen (hamstring), defensive end Jason Babin (calf), linebacker Jamar Chaney (hamstring), running back Dion Lewis (hamstring), linebacker Casey Matthews (ankle), tackle Nate Menkin (shoulder) and defensive tackle Cedric Thornton (knee).
