BEREA - It could take longer than originally anticipated for Cleveland Browns quarterback Kelly Holcomb to return from a leg injury.

''It takes about four to six weeks to heal,'' Holcomb said Thursday of the hairline fracture of his right fibula.

Holcomb could be out until after the Browns bye week, meaning he would be ready for the Nov. 9 game at Kansas City.

Holcomb said he isn't experiencing any pain, but the pain would return if he tried to play at game speed.

''Yes, it is frustrating a little bit,'' he said. ''I could sit there and bellyache all day about it, but in reality, what can I do? It's just an unfortunate part of the game.''

Browns coach Butch Davis said Holcomb could return later this month if he can tolerate pain.

Holcomb worked almost entirely on the scout team this week as the third-string, or emergency quarterback, the role he served the last two weeks behind starter Tim Couch and rookie Nate Hybl.

Couch, who lost the starting job to Holcomb in the exhibition season, has played well the last two weeks. He had one of his best games in leading the Browns to a 33-13 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers.

When Holcomb returns, the Browns probably will be faced with another quarterback controversy.

''I'm sure you guys (the media) will make it a quarterback controversy at that time,'' Holcomb said. ''All that really matters is if the Cleveland Browns are winning ball games. If we keep doing that, then all this other stuff will take care of itself.''