Danielson Encouraged on Recovery

Cleveland Browns’ quarterback Gary Danielson says he is encouraged by the results of surgery performed Monday on his right shoulder at the Cleveland Clinic.

“I’m feeling pretty good. I’m pretty encouraged about not having to wear a cast and about being able to start rehabilitation right away,” Danielson said.

Danielson, 34, who has a new three-year contract with the Browns, hurt his throwing shoulder Oct. 6 while trying to make a tackle after throwing an interception against the New England Patriots.

He played only occasionally after that, opening the way for rookie Bernie Kosar to take over the Browns’ starting quarterback job.

Danielson, however, says he wants to stay with the Browns and compete for the job again next summer.

His arm was in a sling and his right shoulder was bandaged, but the bandages did not give Danielson the appearance of a man who had undergone major surgery.

Dr. John Bergfeld performed the operation, repairing a torn rotator cuff and a shoulder separation. The injury had initially been diagnosed as a strain.

“There was a slight tear in the rotator cuff but less ligament damage than they orginally thought,” Danielson said.

He said he expected to leave the hospital by the weekend to return home to Detroit, although he planned to be back in Cleveland soon to continue his rehabilitation program.

The rehabilitation will include only “passive manipulation” of the shoulder at first, Danielson said.

“Then it’s a matter of gaining strength in the shoulder--no lifting weights for a couple of months, at least, and we’re going to put off throwing until we’re sure we won’t reinjure it,” he said.

Bergfeld has said Danielson may be able to start throwing by the time the Browns’ summer training camp opens in July.

Danielson completed 97 of 163 passes for 1,274 yards and eight touchdowns with six interceptions in 1985. He was acquired by the Browns last May from the Detroit Lions.