BROWNS NOTEBOOK From Berea

Davis not upset with Brown: Coach Butch Davis said he has no problem with defensive end Courtney Brown's decision to delay his comeback. After practicing last week, Brown, who underwent off-season surgery on his left knee, told the team he wasn't ready to play and wanted to skip Friday's exhibition against the Green Bay Packers. Davis said he understood Brown's reluctance to rush back. "I tend to have some empathy with guys who are fighting back from surgery," said Davis, who has undergone several operations on his knee. "A player has to feel confident. He has to feel like he's ready to go out there and play." Brown is expected to play in Saturday's preseason game at Detroit.
Suggs fails physical: Rookie running back Lee Suggs failed his physical and can not yet practice. Suggs, who signed a five-year contract last week, underwent shoulder surgery in May, one month after the Browns selected the former Virginia Tech standout in the fourth round of the NFL draft. The club knew at the time Suggs would need the operation. Davis did not provide any details about why Suggs failed his physical but said the player's condition was improving.
Andra Davis promoted: Andra Davis was named a starter at middle linebacker Monday. Barry Gardner, who started the first two preseason games, was moved to the weak side, where he is behind Ben Taylor. Kevin Bentley remains the starter on the strong side -- the tight end side. Davis had an interception against the Packers and has had a handful of tackles in each preseason game. Butch Davis said Gardner will be given a chance to unseat Taylor, who had an impressive start to camp.
Injuries: Safety Robert Griffith will have a hand specialist examine his broken right index finger today or Wednesday to evaluate his progress. Butch Davis said there is a chance Griffith could play Saturday against the Lions in Detroit. Wide receiver Andre Davis returned to limited practice for the first time since injuring his right knee July 27. Davis wore a brace on his knee. Rookie linebacker Chaun Thompson also had a brace on his knee as he watched the early warmups in practice. Butch Davis said defensive end Mark Word and cornerback Lew Sanders are slowed by hamstring pulls. Rookie cornerback Michael Lehan has a calf injury.
-- Combined dispatches