NFL Browns' Thompson could get his chance

An injury-riddled linebacking corps could put Chaun Thompson in the lineup.
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BEREA -- When linebacker Chaun Thompson ended his training camp holdout after missing nine days and 13 practices, the Cleveland Browns' second-round draft pick predicted it would take him just a couple days to catch up.
Ah, the brash na & iuml;vet & eacute; of a rookie.
Going into Game 12 on Sunday at Seattle, the product of Division II West Texas A & amp;M has played only on special teams and occasionally on third down. He has two tackles on defense, 10 on kick coverage. But considering the battered state of Cleveland's linebacking corps, Thompson might finally get a chance this weekend to make his mark.
Staying home
Ben Taylor, the starter on the weak side, will not make the trip after being released from the hospital Wednesday with a staph infection in his elbow.
Brant Boyer, who has taken over for Taylor the past two games, has left calf and knee injuries after being rolled up on three times Sunday against Pittsburgh.
Backup Barry Gardner, a key special teams player, has a sprained left knee and ankle. He got hurt when Dennis Northcutt got tackled into him on a punt return.
Boyer sat out practice Wednesday and Thursday, while Gardner said he was able to run and participate in team drills Thursday. Browns coach Butch Davis said both practiced Friday, one on a limited basis (Davis wouldn't say which one), and they are listed as questionable. Davis said he's "optimistic for both of them."
But as Gardner pointed out about himself and Boyer, "Between the two of us we've got two right legs."
Davis said with the uncertain status of the battered 'backers, Thompson has been prepped to step in.
"I think if he gets in the game he'll play well," Davis said. "I like what he's done. He's growing every single day in his knowledge of how to play the position. He's done a credible job, not spectacular, on special teams. He's learning a tremendous amount from Brant Boyer and Barry Gardner."
Bottom line
Thompson spoke only briefly with the media before the team departed for Seattle. Asked if he was ready for what could be his NFL starting debut, Thompson said, "I'm always ready."
Making the situation all the more crucial is that Seattle features running back Shaun Alexander, who ranks fifth in the NFC in rushing with 907 yards and is tied for third in the league in total touchdowns with 10. Over the past three seasons, the only player in the league with more touchdowns than Alexander's 44 is Kansas City's Priest Holmes with 49.
But Thompson's teammates seem sure he can help.
"He's had a good week of practice, cleaned up some mistakes early in the week. I think he's more than ready to play," linebacker Kevin Bentley said.
"I think Chaun's going to do well," Boyer said. "He's been learning all year. I think he'll do a good job and everybody has confidence in him."
Bentley admitted he's curious to see Thompson in a game.
"He has a load of potential. Now it's time to unleash that potential," Bentley said. "He's going to be with some guys who can help him and coach him up while we're on the field. He should do just fine."
Injury update
Starting right guard Paul Zukauskas will not travel with the Browns for Sunday's game in Seattle because of a family sickness, further weakening Cleveland's battered offensive line.
Zukauskas, a third-year veteran from Boston College, has started eight games this season. He's returning to Boston to be with his mother, who is ill.
Chad Beasley will start at right guard for the Browns, who have had to juggle their offensive line all season.
Earlier this week, rookie center Jeff Faine was lost for the season with an ankle injury. Melvin Fowler, who began the season at right guard, will take Faine's spot.
The Browns also said cornerback Lewis Sanders will not be available to face the Seahawks.
XThe Associated Press contributed to this report.