Cribbs Likely To Play

[Earl34]

Browns' Mangini 'optimistic' Cribbs will play vs. Panthers

* By NFL.com Wire Reports

 

Cleveland Browns coach Eric Mangini has officially named Jake Delhomme his starting quarterback on Sunday against Carolina.

 

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Mangini, who typically keeps the opponent guessing as long as possible, said Friday that Delhomme will be back behind center when the Browns (3-7) play host to the Panthers (1-9). Delhomme has gotten his starting job back because rookie Colt McCoy sprained his ankle last week against Jacksonville and may be out several weeks.

 

"Jake will start," Mangini said. "Colt didn't practice yesterday and he won't practice today."

 

Delhomme, who went 53-37 as a starter in seven years with Carolina (1-9) and led the team to Super Bowl XXXVIII, has not played healthy since injuring his ankle in the Browns' season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He relieved Seneca Wallace in the second half against the Atlanta Falcons on Oct. 10., but has not appeared in a game since.

 

Mangini also said he is "pretty optimistic" about receiver Joshua Cribbs playing Sunday. He missed last week's game with dislocated toes.

 

"He won't be at the same volume that he'd normally get, but we'll try to get targets for him," Mangini said. "I'd like to have a real plan for what he's doing in the game and, as the game is unfolding, if he feels good, we'll increase that."

 

Mangini said tight end Ben Watson (ankle), linebacker Eric Barton (shoulder) and safety Mike Adams (abdomen) practiced Thursday and would participate Friday.

 

Cornerback Eric Wright (knee) and linebacker Scott Fujita (knee) did not practice Friday.

[WRREBEL]

You want to win let cribbs spin