Winslow could lose $5.3 million

A few lines in Kellen Winslow Jr.’s contract with the Cleveland Browns could be as costly as the broken leg doctors found on his X-rays.

The rookie tight end, who underwent surgery for his right leg on Tuesday, could miss out on a $5.3 million roster bonus because he got hurt, ESPN.com reported.

Under terms of the six-year, $40 million performance-laden contract he signed in August, Winslow must participate in 35 percent of Cleveland’s offensive plays to receive the one-time bonus, paid in 2005.

It’s unclear whether there is a medical provision to protect Winslow in case of injury.

Winslow’s agent, Kevin Poston, who had contentious negotiations with the club, did not return a phone message seeking comment.

Browns spokeswoman Lisa Levine said the team’s policy is not to discuss any contract details.

Cowher worry-free on rookie QB

Coach Bill Cowher’s message for any Pittsburgh Steelers player fretting that rookie Ben Roethlisberger is the starting quarterback: Don’t worry about him, worry about yourself.

The Steelers’ play during their 30-13 loss Sunday in Baltimore was so deficient that the early-season move from injured starter Tommy Maddox to Roethlisberger isn’t atop Cowher’s long list of concerns.

“I think it is not so much what we are doing with Ben, it is that everyone around him right now has to make sure that they hold up their end of the bargain,” Cowher said. “I think Ben will be fine. No one has to do anything special. Right now, everybody has to pick up their game.”

Maddox won’t throw for approximately six weeks because of ligament and tendon tears in his right elbow, although that is only an approximate timetable and he is soliciting a second opinion from an elbow specialist. Once Maddox is cleared to throw, the Steelers will determine when he can play again.

Stringer’s widow loses bid

The Minnesota Court of Appeals refused to reinstate a lawsuit against the Minnesota Vikings for the actions of its trainers before the death of lineman Korey Stringer.

The appellate court agreed with a Hennepin County judge, who dismissed the lawsuit in April 2003 on grounds that trainers didn’t commit gross negligence in Stringer’s death from heat stroke during 2001 training camp.

Cowart out four to six weeks

New York Jets linebacker Sam Cowart seemed poised for a big year after an impressive performance in the season opener. That all changed just before halftime against San Diego on Sunday.

An MRI exam revealed Cowart sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee, and coach Herman Edwards said the veteran could miss four to six weeks.

After the Jets’ bye week, Rookie Jonathan Vilma will start in his place at Miami on Oct. 3.

Around the league

The Miami Dolphins waived punt returner Lamont Brightful, the Eastern Washington University product who fumbled three kicks in their latest loss, and signed rookie returner Wes Welker. … Minnesota right tackle Mike Rosenthal is likely out for the season with an injury to his right foot. Tight end Jim Kleinsasser was seeking a second opinion on his sprained right knee, with season-ending surgery a possibility.