OH, BROTHER:?There's been much speculation about the future of Stanford Cardinal football coach Jim Harbaugh.
It's believed that he could join his brother John, who coaches the Baltimore Ravens, among the ranks of NFL coaches. Another possibility could be the University of Michigan, if the Wolverines part ways with Rich Rodriguez after their bowl game.
Jim was a standout quarterback at Michigan from 1983-86. There seems to be a groundswell of support among Michigan alumni and certainly former players to make a move.
"I don't think Ohio State fans would be happy if he went to Michigan," John said Wednesday during a conference call.
The Browns host the Ravens on?Sunday.
John thinks that Jim will stay at Stanford, where he led the Cardinal to an 11-1 record and a berth in the Orange Bowl this season.
"He likes it there," John said. "He loves those players. I don't think there are any other jobs open right now. We'll just have to wait and see what happens."
John admits that he'd like to see his younger brother make the move to the NFL.
"I guess I'm kind of biased," John said. "I'd like to see him here so we can both be in the NFL. I'd just want to see him in the NFC. I don't want to see him in the AFC. I don't think my mom could take that. That would be rough. We've got to get him in the other conference, where we'd see him only once every four years."
FATHERLY ADVICE: Receiver Brian Robiskie was given words of caution from his father, Terry, the receivers coach for the Atlanta Falcons concerning his touchdown celebration last Sunday in Cincinnati. Robiskie held the ball out in front of him before crossing the goal line for his first career NFL touchdown.
"He said, 'No, don't do it,' " Brian said. "That was the first thing he said. Then he said, 'Good catch.' "
GETTING A CHANCE?: Defensive back Coye Francies could see playing time Sunday in nickel and dime situations. Cornerback Eric Wright was placed on injured reserve this week with a knee injury, leaving the secondary shorthanded.
"It will depend on how many receivers we're talking about," coach Eric Mangini said. "There are a lot of variables as to how much he'll play and things like that. I've seen him from the time he left to the time he got back. I think he's got a better understanding of how important every opportunity is and how you can't let any chance slip through your grasp and not take advantage of it."
Francies was a sixth-round draft choice last season. He played in six games.
NO SETBACK: Mangini said that linebacker Scott Fujita didn't suffer a setback in rehabilitating a knee injury. Fujita, who was injured Nov. 14, was placed on IR this week.
"You shoot for certain dates (of returning)," Mangini said. "You're optimistic and then it slows down a little bit. It just wasn't going to work this week and it was iffy for the following week. We just felt like it was best to shut him down and try to bring somebody else in."
INJURY REPORT: Not able to practice for the Browns were linebacker Eric Alexander (groin), running back Peyton Hillis (knee), quarterback Colt McCoy (illness), tight end Evan Moore (hip), defensive lineman Shaun Rogers (ankle-hip) and tight end Robert Royal (shoulder).
Players that were limited included linebacker Marcus Benard (shoulder), defensive back Sheldon Brown (shoulder), defensive lineman Kenyon Coleman (knee), receiver Joshua Cribbs (foot), receiver Chansi Stuckey (thigh), offensive lineman John St. Clair (ankle) and offensive lineman Floyd Womack (knee).
