Haden likely to return to secondary Sunday

Associated Press

BEREA

Joe Haden is ready to rejoin the Cleveland Browns’ secondary.

The veteran cornerback said Friday he is “90 percent” recovered from a strained abdominal muscle and will play against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday.

“It’s good enough,” Haden said. “I can do everything.”

Even if he can’t, his presence is welcome. Cleveland is 0-5 this year when Haden has been out. He missed last week’s overtime loss in Dallas and replacement Buster Skrine committed three key penalties in his place. The depleted secondary made seven of Cleveland’s 12 total penalties, including two each by veterans Sheldon Brown and T.J. Ward.

Skrine sustained a concussion in Dallas and was held out of practice earlier this week, yet intends to play.

“I feel good and passed all my tests,” Skrine said. “I got hit and was out for a second or two. It happened and I’ve moved on.”

Haden nearly faced the Cowboys and said the week off should have him stronger against the Steelers.