Browns release oft-injured Baxter

By MARLA RIDENOUR

The 29-year-old safety had been trying to make a comeback since having knee surgery.

BEREA — If he’s going to abandon what would be an unprecedented comeback from two torn patellar tendons, Gary Baxter wants to do it on his own terms.

That day has not yet come. But the Browns decided Saturday they could no longer hold a roster spot for Baxter, a 29-year-old safety, after he underwent arthroscopic surgery to remove cartilage in his knee, so they terminated his contract.

This year, the NFL’s 80-man training camp roster limit includes no exemptions for players from NFL Europe, now defunct. The Browns have two other defensive players rehabbing from arthroscopic knee surgeries, linebackers Antwan Peek and Beau Bell.

”Last year, we were able to hold a roster spot open for Gary as he attempted to make a monumental comeback,” Browns General Manager Phil Savage said. ”After he underwent a knee ’scope [Tuesday], we are unfortunately not in a position to hold a roster spot this year.

“We are releasing Gary in hopes he will be able to continue his rehab and get back into the NFL, either with another team or possibly with the Browns. Gary has made tremendous strides and we believe he can play professional football again.”

Coach Romeo Crennel said the Browns had some safeties in for tryouts for the open roster spot.

”It depends on whether we like these guys,” Crennel said. ”If there’s a corner we like who comes available we could probably do that and move one of the guys we have back to safety. We have some options and you explore all of them.”

A prized free-agent cornerback from the Baltimore Ravens who started only eight games for the Browns, Baxter was hurt in October 2006 against the Denver Broncos.

Crennel said he spoke to Baxter, and the seven-year veteran told him he still wants to play.

”It was cartilage and not the patellar tendon; he thought if it was going to be anything it might be that,” Crennel said. ”Those were able to hold up. So he was disappointed in the move we had to make, but he understands it’s a business. He’s going to rehab and try to get better and see where that leads him.”

That didn’t make the move any easier for Crennel.

”It’s always tough when you’ve got a veteran guy who’s a good person, does everything you ask,” Crennel said. ”He worked really hard to get back and he was back, then he had this reoccurrence of a different injury. It was hard, but you have to do what’s best for your football team.”

Notes

Only two two-a-days remain in camp after Crennel adjusted the schedule. Thursday’s and Saturday’s practices were knocked down from two to one session, both from 2:30-4:30 p.m.

Monday’s practice is not open to the public. That leaves only today and Tuesday for two practices, from 8:45-10:45 a.m. and 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Brownies York Jets’ tight end A.J. Schable. Schable was released from the Cleveland Clinic Friday. . . .Wide receiver Braylon Edwards had his foot stepped on in practice, but he had it taped and finished the session. . . .Bell, who underwent surgery Thursday, is expected to miss three to five weeks. . . .Returning from hamstring injuries were tight end Kellen Winslow and fullback Lawrence Vickers, but both were limited. . . .The Browns’ offense started working against a 4-3 defense. . . .The play of the day came when receiver Donte’ Stallworth snatched a throw at his knees from Derek Anderson.