Bentley lost for the season
By Zac Jackson, Staff Writer
July 27, 2006
Phil Savage Presser 7-27-06
The Browns have lost center LeCharles Bentley for the 2006 season.
Bentley was taken off the practice field Thursday morning after suffering a torn patella tendon in his left knee during a team drill.
Before the afternoon practice, general manager Phil Savage confirmed Bentley's injury and said Bentley will have surgery as soon as Friday.
A two-time Pro Bowler and Cleveland native, Bentley was one of the Browns' highest-profile free-agent pickups this spring. He signed with the Browns on the first day of free agency after playing his first four NFL seasons with the Saints.
"He was the face of our free agent class," Savage said. "He was a player that probably wanted to play for the Browns as much as anyone."
Savage said Bentley didn't suffer the injury due to contact or the result of a pile-up, but rather by planting his foot awkwardly after being unable to stop his forward momentum.
The injury occurred on the second play of team drills during the team's second camp practice, its first with pads. The players were dressed in helmets, shoulder pads and shorts.
Bob Hallen replaced Bentley at center with the first-team offense.
