"The last time he played for the Chiefs before his four-week NFL suspension, Dwayne Bowe had one of his best games of the season, catching six passes in a win over the Raiders.

The Chiefs welcomed Bowe back Monday and are eager to get him back in the lineup for this weekend's game against Cleveland at Arrowhead Stadium. They aren't necessarily expecting him to pick up where he left off.

"It's unreasonable to expect him to come in and play as good or better as he was before he left," wide receiver Bobby Wade said. "The hardest thing about missing games during the season is the speed of the game. It's going to be a challenge for him to play within his own realm and make the plays that come to him, but he's capable of handling it. He's got to let the game come to him and not stress about making a big play. He just has to play solid."

Bowe was suspended by the league for violating its policy on performance-enhancing substances. He declined interview requests Monday.

Chris Chambers gave the Chiefs some big plays in Bowe's absence, but they are still trying to establish a consistent passing game. Quarterback Matt Cassel has played poorly in three straight games and threw four interceptions in Sunday's 16-10 loss to Buffalo.

He could no doubt use a receiver with Bowe's ability to run after the catch.

"We'll have to do our best to see where he's at and get him up to speed," coach Todd Haley said. "Anytime you're missing one of your better players … I'm personally excited about having Dwayne back. He was making tremendous strides when the suspension occurred, and I think he's made strides in all areas to the point I believe Dwayne cares about what we're trying to do.

"We need all the hands we can get. It will be a matter of getting him up to speed mentally and getting him into the mix."

Haley wouldn't specify how much Bowe will play against the Browns. He didn't waste any time getting new receivers Wade and Chambers into the rotation earlier in the season. But neither of those players had just finished a four-week layoff as Bowe has."