BEREA, Ohio (AP) -Kellen Winslow wouldn't be practicing anyway, but the star tight end's absence from the Cleveland Browns' organized team activities this week is notable.
Unlike mini-camps, the three weeks of OTAs are not mandatory. However, players usually report so they can take part in conditioning drills and team meetings or rehab injuries.
Winslow, who underwent offseason knee surgery and his recovering in San Diego, has made it clear he wants the Browns to redo his contract.
Winslow missed most of his first two seasons in the league with injuries. He three more years left on a contract the Browns restructured after he missed an entire year following a motorcycle accident.
It's unclear if Winslow's absence is health related or foreshadowing a contract dispute. Coach Romeo Crennel didn't provide any insight into the reason for Winslow not being around.
``When he gets here, we'll find out for sure exactly what that is,'' said Crennel. ``He's not here and I haven't spoken with him, so when he gets here I'll be able to answer that question.''
Browns general manager Phil Savage already has said the team has no intention of reworking Winslow's contract after it acted in good faith when he was coming back from his injuries and restructured the deal.
A year ago, wide receiver Braylon Edwards missed the first day of OTAs, raising concerns he and the Browns were at odds over something. The always talkative wideout had little to say about his teammate's truancy on Wednesday.
``Everybody goes through personal trials and tribulations, and obviously he has something going on that the team is aware about,'' Edwards said. ``That's his business. I don't know what's going on. So that's up to him and coach.''
Linebacker Willie McGinest, who recently decided he will retire after the upcoming season - his 15th - was asked if as a team leader he would speak with Winslow.
``I don't know what the situation is with Kellen, but if they needed me to speak to him, I'm like a big brother to him,'' he said. ``We're all supposed to be brothers and family around here, so everybody should be able to talk to each other.''
