New injury could force kicker move for Browns

BEREA, Ohio - The Cleveland Browns have had a kicking issue for the last several weeks.

Now, the Browns have a kicker with an injury issue and a deadline for a decision looming.

The team's final injury report of the week lists kicker Billy Cundiff as questionable with a knee injury. Cundiff wasn't listed on the two prior injury reports this week.

"You can ask coach on those things," Cundiff said after Friday's practice. "All injury questions go to the head coach."

Browns head coach Mike Pettine said Cundiff suffered the injury on Thursday. On Wednesday, the Browns worked out three kickers: Nate Freese, Garrett Hartley and Zach Hocker, who also worked out for the Browns two weeks ago.

Cundiff has missed a field goal in the Browns last five games including a 40-yarder in a one-point loss last week to the Indianapolis Colts. After a Thursday workout at First Energy Stadium, Browns special teams coach Chris Tabor said "I thought (Cundiff) kicked the ball as well as I've ever seen him kick. It's just one of those deals that...there are some other things that sometimes go into it, but if he strikes the ball the rest of the season like he did today, we'll be in great shape."

Pettine wouldn't say which of the three kickers the Browns would sign if they need to. That keeps Sunday's opponent, the Cincinnati Bengals, guessing. The Browns have until 4 p.m. Saturday to make a roster move if they need to add a kicker.

The team also listed Karlos Dansby (knee) and Jabaal Sheard (foot) as questionable. Dansby has missed the last three games but was a limited practice participant this week. Defensive backs Tashaun Gipson, K'Waun Williams and Robert Nelson and tight end Gary Barnidge are out.

The Bengals list backup defensive end Margus Hunt and backup wide receiver James Wright as doubtful and list tight end Jermaine Gresham and defensive backs Terrance Newman and Adam Jones as questionable.