Shawn Lauvao Looks Ready to Play This Week

Cleveland Browns offensive guard Shawn Lauvao participated in blocking drills and has been described as ready to play.  This might not seem like the biggest deal in the world except that the second he is ready to play, the Browns can shut down the disaster that is Oniel Cousins.  It will be curious if the Browns do decide to go ahead and plan on Lauvao starting at right guard, if they will opt to keep Cousins or simply cut him to get another position player on the roster at another spot with Garrett Gilkey behind him and Jason Pinkston about a month away from returning.

Nov 18, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Cleveland Browns guard Shawn Lauvao (66) blocks on the line of scrimmage during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium. The Cowboys beat the Browns 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

In either case, the Browns are that much closer to getting back to the original offensive line they had planned on going into the season with if Lauvao comes back and not a moment too soon.  Lauvao is hardly a great player himself, but represents a substantial upgrade.   The Browns play the Cincinnati Bengals this week and go up against likely the best defensive tackle in the league in Geno Atkins as well as having an effective overall rotation with the ability to use Devon Still and Brandon Thompson at times.  They are not household names but they are much like Billy Winn and John Hughes for the Bengals are getting an increasing amount of playing time.