With the 1st pre-season game of the 2006 NFL season looming just 3 days away for the Cleveland Browns, some questions have been answered and some still remain. Once again, the biggest questions center on injuries and how well replacements can fill in for one-time starters.

Perhaps no one is facing more scrutiny then veteran center Bob Hallen. Hallen has been playing with the 1st team offensive line ever since the 1st day of training camp when then starter LeCharles Bentley was lost for the year. Hallen does not have the size and strength of Bentley, but does bring an experience factor that every team would like from their backups. Hallen has been very consistent playing with the starting unit and many believe he is still an upgrade over last year's starting center, Jeff Faine. Browns fans now want to see how he handles the role as starter and if he indeed can bring a much-needed improvement at the center position.

Another position up for grabs this camp is the inside linebacker position next to Andra Davis. Rookie D'Qwell Jackson has been competing with veteran Chaun Thompson after Thompson was moved from the outside to the inside this off-season. Thompson has a strained calf, so Thursday night will be Jackson's time to shine. Head coach Romeo Crennel believes Jackson's natural instincts to play linebacker and ability to recognize a play before it takes place are his best attributes. Thursday may be the night Jackson takes the starting role and never relinquishes it, and Browns fans certainly hope so.

Safety Sean Jones missed the Browns Family Night Practice and it could cost him big time. He is already locked into a battle for the starting safety position with 2nd year player Brodney Pool, and now is facing pressure from rookie Justin Hamilton as well. Hamilton has been seeing a lot of time with the 1st and 2nd team defenses and has looked good while he has been in there. Hamilton may not be too big of a threat, yet, but he will be in 2007 is he continues to progress.

The Browns also have some questions concerning the state of their current roster. Rumors are flying around that the New York Jets are in the market for a running back. Apparently, long time starter Curtis Martin may be mulling retirement due to a knee injury that just is not getting better. One name that keeps surfacing in a possible trade is the Browns’ Lee Suggs. Suggs has been asking for a trade all spring and summer and may get his wish, if the Jets are willing to pay the price the Browns want. Browns fans would love to see the team get something for Suggs, as many believe his history of injuries is not worth the potential he has. The team will not give Suggs away so a deal is not imminent, but there is a real good possibility that Suggs will not be wearing brown and orange come opening day.

Crennel also stated that the team is looking forward to their pre-season game Thursday against the Philadelphia Eagles. After 2 weeks of beating on each other, the team is ready to beat on someone else.

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