BEREA -- Cleveland Browns coach Butch Davis said he has no problem with defensive end Courtney Brown's decision to delay his comeback.

After practicing last week, Brown, who underwent off-season surgery on his left knee, told the team he wasn't ready to play and wanted to skip Friday's exhibition against the Green Bay Packers.

Davis said he understood Brown's reluctance to rush back.

''I tend to have some empathy with guys who are fighting back from surgery,'' said Davis, who has undergone several operation on his knee. ''A player has to feel confident. He has to feel like he's ready to go out there and play. I think he felt he needed that (extra rest) last week.''

Brown is expected to play in Saturday's preseason game at Detroit.

Davis thinks once Brown gets back on the field, the former No. 1 overall pick will have more confidence that he can make a full recovery.

Brown has missed 16 games the past two seasons with knee and neck injuries.

Suggs fails physical with Browns

BEREA, Ohio (AP) -- Rookie running back Lee Suggs failed his physical and can not yet practice with the Cleveland Browns.

Suggs, who signed a five-year contract last week, watched from the sideline Monday as the Browns prepared for Saturday's exhibition game against the Detroit Lions.

Suggs underwent shoulder surgery in May, one month after the Browns selected the former Virginia Tech star.

in the fourth round of the NFL draft.

The club knew at the time Suggs would need the operation.

Browns coach Butch Davis did not provide any details about why Suggs failed his physical but said the player's condition was improving.

''It's not ready, but we're closing the gap,'' he said.

Suggs rushed for 1,325 yards and 22 touchdowns last season after undergoing knee surgery in 2001.