Winslow’s timetable uncertain

If he progresses enough while recovering at home, the tight end’s return could be as soon as this weekend.

BEREA (AP) — Cleveland Browns tight end Kellen Winslow, hospitalized last week with an undisclosed illness, remains at home under doctors’ orders and coach Romeo Crennel on Wednesday offered no definitive timetable for the Pro Bowler’s return.

Winslow spent three nights at the Cleveland Clinic before he was discharged Sunday. The 25-year-old, who has battled injuries throughout his NFL career and contracted a staph infection following knee surgery in 2005, missed Cleveland’s win on Monday night over the New York Giants.

Winslow practiced early last week before he began feeling ill. He went to the hospital for an examination last Thursday and was admitted.

The Browns have provided little information on Winslow’s condition, citing health laws and the player’s privacy.

Winslow’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has not returned phone calls or e-mails seeking comment.

During his news conference Wednesday, Crennel said Winslow is being treated at home.

“He is doing well, I spoke with him,” Crennel said. “I am hoping that he can play this weekend [Sunday, at Washington]. He is questionable for the game and questionable is 50-50. If things keep progressing, because he is making progress, then he will be there and be able to help us try to win the game.”

Crennel said the decision to keep Winslow away from the team facility was made by medical personnel.

“He is being treated by the doctors and they are telling him to stay at home and he is checking in at the Clinic,” Crennel said. “When they tell him to come, he will come.”

Winslow, one of Cleveland’s top offensive players, was replaced in the starting lineup against the Giants by Steve Heiden, who caught five passes for 59 yards. Backup tight end Darnell Dinkins also caught a 22-yard touchdown pass as the Browns shocked the Super Bowl champions and won their first Monday night game since 1993.

If Winslow can’t play against the Redskins, Crennel hopes his teammates will step up again.

“If he [Winslow] is not here I am going to try to get those tight ends to do what they did on Monday night,” Crennel said.

Crennel said defensive end Shaun Smith will miss Sunday’s game with a broken left hand.

Smith had surgery during Cleveland’s bye week, and during a follow-up exam last week, doctors recommended that he take some time off to make sure the bone is healed completely.