REA — Dave Zastudil was determined to make this season better than his last.

The pain won’t let him.

Zastudil was placed on injured reserve Tuesday by the Cleveland Browns after his surgically repaired right plant leg did not respond enough to rehab and rest for him to kick this season. Zastudil missed half of 2009 with a torn patellar tendon, which was surgically repaired during the offseason.

“It’s very disappointing,” said Zastudil, who grew up in suburban Bay Village and played at Ohio University. “I’d give anything to be out there with the guys and play for the Browns. That’s why I’m here.”

Zastudil kicked on the first day of training camp but said his knee, which has been bothering him for two years, “flared up.” He was on the field for a few more days in uniform before he went to Colorado to have his knee examined by noted orthopedist Dr. Richard Steadman, who performed surgery on him in early December.

However, Zastudil’s knee didn’t get better, and after consulting with the team and his doctor, it was decided that he would be best served not to kick this season.