Winslow remains doubtful for game

By MARY KAY CABOT

He was still in the Cleveland Clinic Friday night with an undisclosed illness.

BEREA — Kellen Winslow spent his second night at the Cleveland Clinic Friday with an undisclosed illness and the Browns’ Pro Bowl tight end might have to sit out Monday night’s game against the New York Giants.

Winslow is listed as questionable, meaning there’s a 50 percent chance he’ll play. He practiced Monday, was fine Tuesday and began feeling ill Wednesday. When he failed to show improvement Thursday, he was admitted to the Clinic. The Browns expected him to be released Friday, but doctors held him at least another night.

“As the medical people let us know more, we can let you know more,’” said coach Romeo Crennel. “I’m not saying what kind of illness it is. In some cases there’s some privacy [laws] involved. [But] his arms and legs are not falling off or anything like that and he’s truly questionable for the game.”

The Browns declined to respond to Internet rumors. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, also declined to comment when reached by phone.

But the fact that Winslow hasn’t practiced since Monday doesn’t bode well for playing in the game. The Browns have one more practice this morning, but Winslow will probably still be in the Clinic. Typically, players who sit out practice most of the week are held out.

But because this is unusual, it’s anybody’s guess what might happen. One theory is that the medical staff kept Winslow an extra night to give him the best chance to play.

“We may have him or we might not have him,” said Crennel. “We’ve got to plan both ways. He’s truly 50-50. If it gets to a point where they say ‘No, he cannot play,’ then I’ll let you know that.”

One thing’s for certain: If there’s any chance Winslow can play, he will. He’s been playing in pain since he shattered his knee in the motorcycle accident in 2005.

“He’s a competitive player,” said Crennel. “We know he’s had some injuries he’s had to deal with and he’s played through them. We know he’ll be out there if at all possible.”

If Winslow can’t play, Steve Heiden will start and Darnell Dinkins will join Heiden in two-tight end sets. Crennel said rookie tight end Martin Rucker isn’t ready yet after recovering from knee surgery.

The plays that become tricky for offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski are those on which Winslow lines up as a wide receiver. It was expected that Chudzinski would have almost a full compliment of offensive skill players Monday, with receiver Donte Stallworth making his debut after missing four weeks with a quad injury. With Stallworth back, Winslow was expected to be the third receiver in certain formations.