Absent Winslow no problem for teammates

The Browns are apparently interpreting Kellen Winslow's absence from voluntary organized team activities -- and silence -- as a statement about his contract.

Asked Wednesday if it was health-related, coach Romeo Crennel said, "When he gets here we'll find out for sure exactly what that is. He's not here and I haven't spoken with him."

But Crennel didn't seem surprised by the no-show.

"There's something that happens every year with somebody," he said. "We've just got to get this team ready."

He said the last time he talked to Winslow was in January or February. Winslow has been rehabbing his surgically-repaired knee in San Diego since then, but his absence most of the off-season is believed to be related to wanting a new deal. The 12 voluntary practices lead up to a mandatory minicamp June 10-12.

"It's not a big deal," Josh Cribbs said. "If he was here, he'd be hurt."

Cribbs added, "It's not a question of his character because he plays like a soldier. When he gets here he's going to work his butt off."
Said Braylon Edwards: "Everybody goes through personal trials and tribulations. If he has something going on that the team is aware of, that's his business."

Fellow tight end Darnell Dinkins said, "We all know he's dealing with certain things. Kellen made the Pro Bowl. When he's with us, he competes. Nobody else is going to contribute more than that."

Team leader Willie McGinest said he'd talk to Winslow if the team asked him to. "I'm like a big brother to him," McGinest said. "We're all supposed to be brothers and family around here."

(blog.cleveland.com)