Leon Williams is starting to take away playing time from starting middle linebacker Andra Davis. The Browns were better against the run vs. Pittsburgh than they were against the Cowboys in the opener. Williams was in on five tackles in the Pittsburgh game.

The Browns want to make sure the run defense is at its best in Baltimore because they expect the Ravens to pound the ball, particularly with Willis McGahee back in the lineup. The Ravens ran the ball 46 times in their opening 17-10 victory over Cincinnati. Their game against Houston last week was postponed.

--The heavy workload might already be getting to 36-year-old LB Willie McGinest. He missed practice with a hamstring injury.

--S Sean Jones was at his locker Wednesday, six days after arthroscopic surgery on his right knee. He said his goal is to be back on Oct. 13 for the game against the Giants.

--WR Donte Stallworth missed practice again because of a strained quadriceps. The injury kept him out of the first two games.

--S Mike Adams missed practice Wednesday for personal reasons. The Browns are hopeful he will return Thursday.

GAME PLAN: If the Browns are going to get the pass offense in gear, now is the time. They have scored 16 points, tied with the Rams for the fewest in the NFL. Another low-scoring game will allow the Ravens to run the ball so rookie quarterback Joe Flacco doesn't have to win the game for them. The Browns want Baltimore to play catch-up and be forced to throw.

Braylon Edwards has to snap out of his slump for the Browns' pass offense to get going. He has dropped five passes in two games. Defenses gang up on him with Donte Stallworth bothered by a quadriceps strain.

To help Edwards out of his slump, the Browns have been throwing him a football with colors and numbers on it to help his concentration.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Browns LG Eric Steinbach, who is nursing a shoulder strain, vs. Ravens DRE Haloti Ngata, who weighs 345 pounds. The matchup with Ngata is always closely watched because the Browns passed on Ngata in the 2006 draft to take linebacker Kamerion Wimbley. Ngata is huge and difficult to move out of the way. Blocking him is a key to springing Jamal Lewis.

Browns CB Eric Wright, who has one interception, vs. Ravens rookie QB Joe Flacco. The Browns could use some takeaways to shorten the field for their struggling offense. Wright or right cornerback Brandon McDonald could make an interception because both expect to be tested.

INJURY IMPACT:

--LG Eric Steinbach sat out practice Thursday with a strained shoulder. Whether he plays against Baltimore could be a game-time decision.

--LB Willie McGinest was rested again Thursday with a hamstring injury. Shantee Orr would start if McGinest cannot play.

--LB Kris Griffin missed practice again with a calf injury. He is an important player on punt and kick coverage.

--KR, PR and WR Josh Cribbs returned to practice Thursday after missing Wednesday with shoulder and hamstring injuries.

--RB Jamal Lewis was back at practice after missing Wednesday with an ankle injury. He seemed to be limping slightly.