NOTEBOOK | Browns

Courtney Brown named AFC's top defender: Defensive end Courtney Brown was named the AFC's defensive player of the week. Brown recorded two sacks, forced a fumble and recovered one, helping the Browns to a 33-13 win over the Steelers. Brown, a former No. 1 overall pick, has missed 16 games the past two seasons because of injuries. He was sidelined for the last four regular-season games in 2002 and missed Cleveland's playoff loss last season. He underwent microfracture surgery on his right knee during the off-season. The Browns have had seven players honored as a player of the week since returning to the league in 1999. Brown has won the award twice.
Shea out for season: Tight end Aaron Shea will miss the rest of the season after tearing a biceps muscle, another serious injury for the fourth-year pro. Shea, who got hurt while making a block during the Sept. 28 game against Cincinnati, had surgery on Tuesday and was placed on the injured reserve list Wednesday. Shea played in just seven games last season because of injuries. He missed the first two weeks with an injured shoulder and the final seven games after suffering a badly sprained ankle in practice during the Browns' bye week. The 6-foot-3, 255-pounder missed four weeks with a shoulder injury in 2001. To fill Shea's roster spot, the Browns claimed tight end Zeron Flemister off waivers from Washington. He had 29 receptions for 356 yards and four TDs before being waived by the Redskins.