If LeBron James truly believes he can help the Cleveland Browns, coach Eric Mangini has an orange helmet waiting for him.

"I think he should come on down," Mangini said, smiling. "I know he's pretty busy right now, but if he wants to give it a shot, the guy is gifted. He's competitive and tough. I'm sure whatever he applied himself to, he'd probably be good in baseball or soccer or swimming."

The NBA superstar, who was an All-State wide receiver in high school, said Tuesday that if he put the time and commitment into it, he could be a good football player.

Mangini agreed, calling James "a freak athletically" and said the 6-foot-8, 260-pounder could be dangerous at tight end, wide receiver or even outside linebacker.

When the gist of Mangini's comments was relayed to James, he smiled -- but didn't take the bait. "I had what I had to say, and that was it," James said before his Cavaliers played at the Washington Wizards.

Browns nose tackle Shaun Rogers isn't convinced James could step into the NFL and be able to handle the pounding.

"I heard that comment," Rogers said. "I have mixed emotions about that. A great athlete? Yes. A football player? No."

Ronnie Brown's season has ended with an injury -- again. Miami's leading rusher was placed on injured reserve because of a right foot injury sustained in Sunday's victory against Tampa Bay. A fifth-year pro, Brown missed the final nine games of the 2007 season with a right knee injury.

Oakland benched former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell, handing the starting job to journeyman Bruce Gradkowski for the foreseeable future. Coach Tom Cable made the announcement after practice as the Raiders (2-7) prepare to play the Bengals Sunday. Cable said this was not a temporary move, that his plan is to stick with Gradkowski.

Baltimore linebacker Terrell Suggs will miss Sunday's game against Indianapolis because of a knee injury. Suggs has a sprained ligament in his right knee, Ravens coach John Harbaugh said. Suggs was injured on an illegal chop block by Browns quarterback Brady Quinn after an interception by the Ravens Monday night.

Chris McAlister, the 10-year veteran cornerback, has been signed by New Orleans -- one of only two remaining unbeaten teams in the NFL -- and he's glad to be back in pads again. "Earlier in the offseason I wasn't ready or [didn't] have the mindset to come back and play football," McAlister said.

Kyle Orton said that he wants to start Sunday against San Diego, despite torn ligaments in his left ankle, and help Denver snap out of a monthlong funk that has wiped out their 3 1/2-game cushion over the Chargers in the AFC West.

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