"Browns running back Jamal Lewis finished his 10-year career without fanfare, being placed on injured reserve with what the team called ''post-concussion symptoms.''

The news came out of the blue Wednesday, since Browns coach Eric Mangini had said nothing about Lewis being injured in three news conferences since the game Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals.

But it raised red flags when Lewis was not at practice or in the locker room for media interviews, and there were no street clothes in his locker.

Free safety Brodney Pool was also placed on injured reserve with his fourth concussion in five years.

''I'm disappointed that Jamal and Brodney are not going to be able to finish out the season, and I thank them both for their contributions this year,'' Mangini said in a statement. ''Jamal has been an integral part of this team and has exhibited a great work ethic. He worked hard, studied hard and set a good example for younger running backs.

''I was encouraged with Brodney's progress each week and appreciated his approach and attitude towards this season. Through 11 games he had already reached his career-bests for interceptions (four) and passes defensed (10).'' Pool had also recorded 48 tackles and a sack.

Lewis, who turned 30 in August, announced after the Nov. 1 game against the Chicago Bears that this would be his final season. He ranks 21st on the NFL's all-time rushing list with 10,607 career yards, just 37 yards out of 20th. A 1-yard run with 14:02 left against the Bengals was his final carry.

Known for his punishing style, Lewis missed two games earlier this year with a hamstring injury. The fifth overall pick in the 2000 draft, he has totaled 500 yards (3.5 average) and no touchdowns in 2009, with his season-high coming Oct. 11 at the Buffalo Bills, when he carried 31 times for 117 yards. After seven years with the Baltimore Ravens, Lewis spent three seasons with the Browns and was elected a co-captain this year, but was highly critical of Mangini's physical practices.

Lewis posted seven 1,000-yard campaigns in nine seasons. His 2,066 yards in 2003 ranks as the second-highest single-season total in league history, trailing only Eric Dickerson's 2,105 with the Los Angeles Rams in 1983.

Those numbers, and the Super Bowl ring he earned with the Ravens in 2001, could put the Atlanta native in the hall of fame.

Asked last month if he thought of himself in that regard, Lewis said, ''Naw, not really. I don't know what it actually takes. I guess it takes a bunch of numbers and probably longevity.

''If I made it or had a shot to make it, it doesn't really matter to me. As long as I can leave this game healthy and with the stats that I have and the things that I've done . . . I have a Super Bowl ring and I'm happy.''

According to profootballtalk.com, the Browns will replace Lewis with DeDe Dorsey, who played for the Las Vegas Locomotives of the United Football League. Dorse