Browns’ Pashos ready for debut vs. Titans


October 1, 2011 at 12:00a.m.

Associated Press

BEREA

Browns right tackle Tony Pashos appears fully healed from his injured left ankle and is expected to make his season debut on Sunday against Tennessee (2-1).

Pashos missed Cleveland’s first three games, forcing the Browns (2-1) to use both Artis Hicks and Oneil Cousins in a rotation on the right side. The 6-foot-6, 330-pound Pashos played in just six games last season with an injured right ankle. He worked with Cleveland’s starting offense during the portion of practice open to the media on Friday.

His return should help the Browns’ running game, which should be improved with Peyton Hillis back in the lineup this week. Hillis missed last week’s game against Miami with strep throat but has recovered and practiced all week.

Titans

NASHVILLE, Tenn.

Safety Chris Hope has practiced all week and appears ready to return to the starting lineup Sunday against the Browns.

Hope dislocated his shoulder in the opener at Jacksonville and has missed the past two games for Tennessee (2-1). He says he’s not used to being injured and is anxious and real excited to return.

Coach Mike Munchak says Hope will be listed as probable against the Browns and they feel real good about having the veteran play.

But linebacker Gerald McRath is doubtful after not practicing this week. He plays in passing situations and hurt his left knee in last week’s win over Denver.

Texans

HOUSTON

Coach Gary Kubiak started the week by meeting with his offense and reviewing all the Texans’ plays inside the 20-yard line over the first three games.

No one liked much of what they saw.

The Texans (2-1) are tied with New England for the most trips inside the red zones with 16, but they have only five touchdowns to show for it. The inefficiency cost them in a 40-33 loss to New Orleans last week, and correcting the problem has been the focus heading into Sunday’s game against Pittsburgh (2-1).

Houston should get a boost this week, with Arian Foster expected to start after nursing a sore left hamstring.