Browns' T.J. Ward has thumb surgery

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Comments0
• Email
• Print

BEREA, Ohio -- Browns safety T.J. Ward has had surgery on his right thumb.

In addition, the winless Browns had three receivers miss practice -- not exactly the way Cleveland wants to prepare for its upcoming road game against the Super Bowl champion Giants.

"We'll put the guys on the field that can play," coach Pat Shurmur said after six players missed practice Monday. Shurmur avoided addressing any of the injury issues except for saying Ward had surgery a couple of days ago.

Josh Cribbs and fellow receivers Mohamed Massaquoi and Travis Benjamin were among those not on the field.

"It's the nature of the business," quarterback Brandon Weeden said. "We're hoping for good news on Mo, Josh and Travis. If not, the other guys will have to step up."

Cribbs sustained a concussion during a 23-16 loss Thursday night in Baltimore. His helmet flew off and he hit the turf with the back of his head after being tackled.

Massaquoi and Smith were inactive with a strained hamstring and a concussion, respectively. Benjamin replaced Massaquoi at wide receiver and filled in for Cribbs on special teams. Jordan Norwood replaced him on a punt return later and Shurmur refused to disclose what ailments kept Benjamin, a fourth-round pick, from joining healthy teammates for practice.

Shurmur said all the players who did not practice are "day to day," and that Ward's surgery was similar to what safety Ray "Bubba" Ventrone had after he broke his hand Sept. 9 in the season opener. Ventrone came back two weeks later.

"Same procedure Bubba had, and he's back," Shurmur said.

A year ago, Ward finished the season on injured reserve with a sprained right foot.

Tight end Alex Smith, inactive for the game in Baltimore with a concussion, and defensive back Tashaun Gipson also did not practice.

Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Comments0
• Email
• Print
• Subscribe