Browns DB Holly could be done for season

5/21/2008 5:01 PM

BEREA, Ohio (AP) -Cleveland Browns defensive back Daven Holly could be lost for the season after he injured his left knee while defending a pass during an organized team activity.

Holly was competing with Brandon McDonald for a starting spot. He was hurt Tuesday when he jumped and landed awkwardly while covering wide receiver Braylon Edwards.

Holly suffered cartilage and ligament damage in the left knee, and general manager Phil Savage said the surgery will most likely be Friday.

``It doesn't look good,'' Savage said Wednesday.

Edwards suffered a hip pointer on the play, didn't practice Wednesday and is listed as day-to-day.

The top two corners remaining are Eric Wright and McDonald, both entering their second year in the NFL. Wright, a second-round draft pick, started 13 games as a rookie. McDonald, a fifth-rounder, got his first significant playing time at midseason while Wright was out with a knee injury.

``This was a position that if you look at our roster and our depth chart, it was kind of a soft spot,'' Savage said. ``You hate to have an injury of any kind, but this one is particularly hurtful because of the situation we're in already.''

Even if McDonald solidifies himself as a starter, the Browns have serious depth concerns. They traded starter Leigh Bodden to Detroit in the offseason for defensive lineman Shaun Rogers and last week cut Kenny Wright, who was arrested on drug charges in the offseason.

``We'll see who might be available, keeping working with the guys we have on this team and come up with our best option,'' coach Romeo Crennel said.

Third-year pro Jereme Perry was signed last week and the Browns brought in several undrafted rookies. But an experienced veteran is the team's most pressing need.

Ty Law, who played for Crennel in New England, is a free agent, but Savage said Law's contract demands wouldn't fit into the team's budget.

Philadelphia's Lito Sheppard is available in a trade, but the Eagles are asking for a lot and Sheppard would want a new deal.

The Browns have had a terrible injury history since returning to the NFL in 1999. They had a respite last year, but haven't been as fortunate so far this season.

Starting right guard Ryan Tucker broke a hip in practice last week, had surgery and won't return until August.

``Two weeks, two injuries; that's not good,'' Savage said. ``You hate to lose anybody, but those are two players we're counting on.''

Holly was tendered a contract by the Browns after last season but had yet to sign the deal that would pay him $1.4 million in 2008. Savage said Holly had signed a clause allowing him to practice, and the team will honor the tender.