Tuesday, Jul 01, 2008 01:51 PM

Jurevicius becomes sixth Cleveland player to contract staph

CLEVELAND -- Browns wide receiver Joe Jurevicius contracted a staph infection following knee surgery, becoming the sixth Cleveland player in four years to suffer from staph.

Jurevicius is recovering well and is expected to participate in team activities in May and minicamp in June. The Plain Dealer first reported the infection Friday citing anonymous sources.

The Browns released a statement saying Jurevicius had his knee scoped in early January.

"At some point following that procedure, he acquired an infection from which he is recovering. He has been rehabilitating here in Cleveland and is expected to take part in the team's offseason activities," the team said in the statement.

Jurevicius underwent surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. Hospital spokeswoman Eileen Sheil said the staph infection didn't occur until later.

"The onset was two weeks after his surgery while he was traveling on the West Coast," Sheil said Friday. "We don't believe it was related to the surgery."

Jurevicius' agent, Neil Cornrich, did not return a phone message seeking comment.

Other Browns players who have contracted staph infections over the last four years are center LeCharles Bentley, tight end Kellen Winslow, receiver Braylon Edwards, and former Browns safety Brian Russell and linebacker Ben Taylor.

Bentley still is trying to return from complications from the staph infection that required three additional surgeries following the reconstruction of his torn patella tendon in July 2006.

Infection-control officials from the Clinic visited the Browns' facility in October 2005 and July 2006 for basic prevention purposes. The Browns also had their facility treated last year with a special anti-staph agent and are vigilant about taking precautions.

Jurevicius had 50 catches for 614 yards and three touchdowns last season. He played in 16 games and started 12.

He's expected to be the No. 3 receiver next season with the signing of free agent Donte Stallworth.

Jurevicius said at the end of last season that he'd play at least one more year. The 33-year-old has two years left on a four-year deal he signed in 2006.