Browns' Dansby aims for Sunday return

BEREA, Ohio -- Karlos Dansby missed another practice Wednesday, but the Cleveland Browns inside linebacker doesn't want to miss another game.

"I'm real close," Dansby said. "Real close. Real, real, real, real close."

He later said he feels "better than good."

Because Dansby is as good a player as he is an interview, the Browns need him back.

Dansby sprained his MCL November 16 vs. the Houston Texans. He hasn't practiced since and missed last week's game in Atlanta, but Dansby has been working with trainers and hopes to play Sunday in Buffalo.

"Coach has his parameters, and once I pass those parameters, we move forward and I get out on the field and help the team," Dansby said. "It was right to keep me out (last week). It's protocol, man. Play by the rules. Coach wants to see me do certain things and I have to feel comfortable that I can go out and play at 100 percent. I have to be at my best."

Dansby's 73 tackles are tied for the team lead. He's tied for second with three sacks.

Playing through injury is nothing new to Dansby, who's never missed more than two games in a season in his 11-year career due to injury. He said a torn bicep in 2012 forced him out "only three plays, all season....I finished with like 140 tackles with one arm. That's pretty impressive."

Another quick comeback is apparently in the plans.

"With the MCL, you have to be able to run," Dansby said. 'The legs feed the wolves, man. (If) you can't run, you can't play.

"It all depends on your position. Take (Larry) Fitzgerald out there in Arizona right now. Same injury. It all depends on your position and the demand on your body in space. The demand on my body is heavy. That's why I have to pass so many parameters before I can get back on the field."