No Suspension (Yet) and No Practice for NT Shaun Rogers

There sure is a lot of uncertainty surrounding Browns nose tackle Shaun Rogers lately. Head coach Eric Mangini said this week that Rogers was not close to returning to practice. The recovery from his lower leg injury is progressing, but he still hasn’t passed his physical and probably won’t be in practice anytime soon.

When Rogers does return, he might find it difficult to regain his role as the starting nose tackle. Ahtyba Rubin has played well in Rogers’ absence, impressing the coaching staff with the effort he is putting forth.

Rogers’ current legal situation does not bode well for him, either. Commissioner Roger Goodell visited Browns training camp on Thursday, but did not give any definitive answer on whether or not Rogers or Robaire Smith will be suspended by the league for their gun-related incidents. Goodell stated that these incidents are still under review, and he gave no timetable on a ruling, though it is widely suspected that they will face some sort of suspension.

If that is the case, and Rubin fully entrenches himself as the starting nose tackle once the season starts, Rogers could find himself being shifted to defensive end.