WitP: Veikune, McBriar, Mouton

The Cleveland Browns placed David Veikune on injured reserve today. Coach Eric Mangini had this to say about Veikune's progress this season.

(On what David Veikune has to do to get on the field next year)- “He’s made strides and I know it’s hard to see that because he hasn’t played very much. It’s a really difficult transition to go from where he came from and the position that he played to not just moving to linebacker, to moving to inside linebacker. At a position where you have to give the call in the huddle, then you have to break the huddle, then you are responsible for adjustments and you have to read what’s going on. There’s a lot going on there. He’s athletic. He’s strong. He’s willing. He’s got a good motor. Those things will serve him well. He’s got to continue to get stronger. I think the transition to pro football and not going through all the learning that happens your rookie season, and now just being able to concentrate on your job with help him a lot. Being in the offseason program where he can works on strengths and weaknesses and mature physically some more, that will help as well.”

Todd Archer of the Dallas Morning News has a post about Mat McBriar.

Mat McBriar did not make the Pro Bowl, but he is having the best year of his career.

He does not have a huge average (44.9) or net average (39.9) but 37 of his 69 punts have been downed inside the 20 and he has had only two touchbacks this season. The 37 punts dropped inside the 20 are sixth-most in NFL history. McBriar's net average is at a career high and it would be better if not for a 79-yard return for a score by New York's Domenik Hixon.

This week he gets to prepare for DeSean Jackson, who is averaging 16 yards per punt return this year and has two touchdowns.

And Ryan Mouton is listed as questionable for tomorrow's game as he recovers from an ankle injury.