BEREA, Ohio -- Browns wide receiver Joshua Cribbs is practicing after a concussion last week from a helmet-to-helmet hit by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison.
Coach Eric Mangini said Cribbs, who also returns punts, kickoffs and lines up at quarterback, should play Sunday in New Orleans.
"He does so many things, and he does so many things well that it creates a lot of options offensively," Mangini said.
"Obviously, his ability in the return game, that changes the way teams have to deal with us and that's a real plus. There are so many elements that he helps us. It's great to have him back."
Cribbs fielded punts and caught passes from quarterback Colt McCoy during the portion of Friday's practice open to the media.
Cribbs was struck on the left side of the helmet by a charging Harrison on a running play out of the Wildcat formation in the first half of Pittsburgh's 28-10 win on Sunday. Cribbs was knocked out momentarily by his former Kent State teammate. He tried to talk his way back onto the field, but was kept out by Cleveland's medical staff. He did not practice on Wednesday or Thursday.
The NFL has maintained Harrison's hit on Cribbs was legal. Harrison also laid out Browns wide receiver Mohamed Massaquoi, who has yet to practice since the hit and is unlikely to be available against the Saints.
Harrison was fined $75,000 for the hit on Massaquoi, one of several that led to commissioner Roger Goodell cracking down on players leading with their helmets on defenseless players.
"If you watch the game film, (Harrison) was doing that to everyone on every play," Mack told The Associated Press. "People would be on the ground and he would try to spear them. There's a play on film where (running back) Peyton Hillis is tackled and he comes up and spears him.
"It's like you're being cheap, you're being dirty."
Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press
