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Browns' Alex Mack remains patient with rehab on broken leg

Jason Miller / US Presswire

Cleveland Browns center Alex Mack is taking a slow and cautious approach to his rehab after breaking his leg in a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Oct. 12. 

The Browns were 3-2 with Mack in the lineup and proceeded to win four of their six games following his injury before ending the season on a precipitous free fall in which they lost their last five contests. 

Mack, a two-time Pro-Bowler, said his goal is to return to the club for the opening day of the 2015 season, and he may have to miss organized team workouts. 

"We're making some pretty steady progress, doing what we need to do to get out there for training camp," Mack said to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler. "But it's more important that I'm out there for game day. Those two feelings have to balance out. It just takes time, having patience. Two weeks after the surgery, I wanted to be up and running around. I'm not 18 anymore."

Mack signed a five-year, $42-million deal prior to last season and is one of the stalwarts on the Browns' excellent offensive line, alongside tackles Joe Thomas and Mitchell Schwartz, and guard/tackle Joel Bitonio. 

The 29-year-old spoke about how difficult it was to watch the Browns after suffering his season-ending injury. 

"I couldn't walk out there and stand next to the guys. I had to wheel out there on a little cart," Mack said. "They didn't necessarily need my support - they'd rather have me protecting the passer. That was tough."

Cleveland desperately needs Mack to come back for the start of the season, as their running game staggered in his absence and Brian Hoyer imploded down the stretch. 

With Mack back in the lineup, the Browns could be a tough out in the highly-competitive AFC North. 

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