TE Steve Heiden, who tore the anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligaments in his right knee last December expects to be cleared to practice when Browns veterans take the field on July 31, his agent, Jack Wirth, recently told PFW. “He’s made great progress,” Wirth said, noting that Heiden has told him the only limitation he could have in training camp is that he might be limited to one practice a day. Heiden, 32, caught 23 passes for 249 yards last season for Cleveland. He will compete for playing time with ex-Bill Robert Royal, a strong blocker, and second-year pro Martin Rucker, who was not a factor as a rookie but caught 84 passes in his final season at Missouri. Royal, the first unrestricted free agent signed away from another club in Eric Mangini’s time as head coach, might have the biggest role in the offense, the way we hear it, but the Browns are expected to frequently employ two-TE sets.

Kickoff is coming! Be sure to buy copies of the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports 2009 NFL preview magazine, as well as the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football Guide 2009, both of which are now available at bookstores, newsstands and retail outlets where magazines are sold. Or order your copies online at PFWStore.com