The Browns don't have much of a running game to begin with, and now they might have even less.

Jamal Lewis was not seen Wednesday during the 30 minutes the media was allowed to view practice. He was in the locker room before practice started, but not on the field.

The media relations department had no immediate explanation for Lewis' absence. He suffered a neck injury in the opener against the Vikings but kept playing. last week against Denver he carried the ball 14 times for 38 yards.

Fans disgusted with the Browns offense blame Lewis and say the 30-year-old back is over the hill. That might be, but he's the best the Browns have. It certainly isn't Jerome Harrison or James Davis.

The Browns will have to draft a running back first next year - if they don't have to draft a quarterback.

Lewis would have to be totally incapacitated Sunday to miss the game against the Ravens, his former team. He might practice Thursday. Stay tuned.