Brian

Russell

He lost eight pounds during the week. The NFL’s leader in interceptions from 2003 doesn’t have a pick in 2004.

Already missing their top two right cornerbacks, Minnesota would hate to lose Russell. Since he’s expected to play in Minnesota’s preaseason game this weekend, the injury doesn’t appear serious.

He’ll probably play special teams or compete for the starting job.

Brodney Pool and Sean Jones are vying to be the Browns’ starting strong safety, the more valuable position for IDP.

Russell had been listed as doubtful with an elbow injury. Sean Jones started at stong safety and turned in a big IDP day.

Sean Jones is expected to slide over to free safety to start in Russell’s place. Brodney Pool will start at strong safety.

An NFL source said the Browns signed Russell to an offer sheet on Friday. The Vikings have seven days to match the offer but are not expected to do so after previously adding safety Darren Sharper in free agency. Russell’s addition would continue the Cleveland revamp. He would step into the starting role if signed.

Russell, who led the NFL with nine interceptions in 2004, will be the nickel corner if he returns to Minnesota.

Browns SS Sean Jones is having a solid year from a production standpoint, but has struggled badly in coverage along with free safety Brodney Pool. Some observers have blamed Cleveland’s struggles at safety on the loss of Brian Russell, although Russell hasn’t exactly set the world on fire in Seattle.