It appears veteran quarterback Jake Delhomme will make his second consecutive start Sunday for the Cleveland Browns (4-7) when they play the Miami Dolphins (6-5).
Colt McCoy, who missed last Sunday's victory over the Carolina Panthers because of an ankle sprain, didn't practice Wednesday, although Browns coach Eric Mangini said the rookie is making a lot of progress in his recovery and won't be ruled out of the next game.
"Colt's moving along, but we'll see how it goes during the week," Mangini said. "From where we were last week to where we are now, we've made a pretty big jump."
McCoy, who sustained a high-ankle sprain during a Nov. 21 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, was impressive in five starts while filling in for Delhomme and Seneca Wallace, who had similar ankle injuries.
Delhomme took most of the first-team reps at practice Wednesday.
The coach said he was pleased with Delhomme's play in his first start since Week 1. Delhomme completed 24 of 35 passes in the 24-23 victory over the Panthers, but he threw two interceptions, giving him six this season against only one touchdown pass.
"There were a ton of good plays there," Mangini said. "He moved the offense really well. I thought the offense as a group, the communication, the way everyone was on the same page comes from the quarterback."
Delhomme is looking to improve.
"I think the biggest thing is you look at the things you did wrong, then you look at the things you did right," he said. "The greatest thing was that we got a win. ... We did a lot of good things offensively with Peyton (Hillis) and the line running well. Some of the young kids were really making some big catches on the receiving ends. And to improve on the mistakes, where can we get better in running the offense?
"Certainly, I think you have to be very critical of yourself, that's how everybody should be. I know I was very critical of myself in a lot of areas. You look to improve and you try to get better."
Wide receiver/kick returner Josh Cribbs also didn't practice Wednesday, but Mangini anticipates the star's return this week. Cribbs has missed the past two games because of a foot injury.
"I'm looking forward to getting Josh back out there, not just with kicks, but at receiver," Mangini said. "He does present some problems teams have to prepare for."
Other Browns not practicing Wednesday were linebackers Scott Fujita (knee) and Eric Barton (shoulder), fullback Lawrence Vickers (hamstring), cornerback Eric Wright (knee) and safety T.J. Ward.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
