BEREA, Ohio — Center LeCharles Bentley practiced with the Cleveland Browns today, the first time he has been on the field with the team since injuring his left knee at the start of training camp in 2006.

Bentley passed a physical and running test Monday and was cleared by the Browns to return.

"It's been two years," general manager Phil Savage said. "Obviously, he's made a tremendous step to even be out here at all."

Bentley will participate in individual drills during the three-day minicamp that started today but doesn't know when he can take part in contact drills.

Bentley, a two-time Pro Bowl center with New Orleans, signed a six-year, $36 million free-agent contract in March 2006 with the Browns. His dream of playing for his hometown team ended quickly when he tore his left patellar tendon on the first full-contact play of training camp that year. He hasn't played since.

Following surgery to repair the tendon, he developed a staph infection and needed three more operations.

It remains to be seen whether Bentley can help the Browns, whose improved line was a major factor in the team's high-scoring offense and 10-win season last year.

"He's made a lot of progress," Savage said. "He wants to give it a go."

Tight end Kellen Winslow also reported to minicamp after skipping the team's voluntary organized team activities last month. He underwent offseason knee surgery and wants to redo his contract.

Winslow missed most of his first two seasons in the league with injuries. He has three more years left on a contract that the Browns restructured after he missed a year following a motorcycle accident.