LB Tank Carder, who played for the Bills in preseason before being released and signed by the Browns, said he didn't intend to hurt anyone with his anti-gay tweet. (US Presswire)

Browns linebacker Tank Carder hasn't exactly been in the media spotlight this season. He has played almost exclusively on special teams.

But one thoughtless tweet has brought much unwanted attention. Carder recently used the term "faggot" in a return tweet. That set off an angry response from many, including coach Pat Shurmur.

"We've addressed the situation," Shurmur said. "It's very inappropriate. Obviously, he does not speak for me or the Cleveland Browns. It was very wrong and not something we condone."

Shurmur has railed against his players for using social media, but has vowed not to ban their use of Twitter. Carder, who declined to reveal whether he was fined by the team, apologized Wednesday for his indiscretion.

"It wasn't intended to hurt anyone, but it did," said Carder, who promised he would never use the word again.

His use of the homophobic slur was particularly hurtful to fellow former Texas Christian University football player Vince Pryor, who is openly gay. Pryor expressed his feelings Tuesday in an open letter to outsports.com.

"I was surprised and disappointed to read about the anti-gay remarks you made on Twitter," Pryor wrote. "As an alumnus of TCU and a former football player, I know from my experience that your words do not represent the culture of TCU. However, I am disappointed in the lack of understanding you've shown in the effect your words can have on young athletes who consider you a role model."

Mad Max: Outside linebacker Jabaal Sheard didn't take kindly to hearing the complaints of Steelers offensive lineman Max Starks after the Browns' win Sunday. Starks claimed the Browns were cutting offensive linemen, which he had never seen from them in his nine years in the NFL.

"That's what they do all the time," Sheard said incredulously. "I don't remember any cutting. On one play I was tangled up with a tight end and a 365-pound guy came running at me. What am I supposed to do? Stand there?"

Shurmur refused to enter the verbal fray, but he did defend his team's coaching.

"Our guys are taught to defeat blocks," he said. "If it's a run play, address your gaps of course and then find the ball carrier. Then, in terms of pass rush, you want to defeat the blocker, rush the quarterback and try to sack him. Beyond that, we don't teach any of that other stuff."

DQ AFC honors: Middle linebacker D'Qwell Jackson admitted that he rode the coattails of a team defense to the AFC Defensive Player of the Week award. The Browns D created eight turnovers in beating the Steelers.

"What was most important was getting a win against a rival and for the city of Cleveland," he said. "They deserved it ... I'm not about personal accolades. It's great, don't get me wrong. I put a lot of pride into what I do and I'm passionate about what I do."

Jackson racked up a team-high nine tackles, forced one fumble and recovered another in the victory. He also helped the Browns limit the Steelers to 49 yards rushing.

Bits and pieces: CB Dimitri Patterson (ankle) returned to practice for the first time in six weeks Wednesday and expects to play Sunday in Oakland. FS Usama Young (concussion) remains out. WR/KR Josh Cribbs (shoulder/chest) also missed practice. ... Browns tight ends have scored three touchdowns in the last two games (two from Benjamin Watson, one from Jordan Cameron) after tallying just one in the first nine games (Watson). ... RB Trent Richardson spoke of Raiders LB and former Alabama teammate Rolando McClain as an idol because of his leadership role with the Crimson Tide. ... Shurmur said the Browns are planning on Raiders featured RB Darren McFadden playing. McFadden (ankle) returned to practice Wednesday on a limited basis. ... Several Cleveland players and others are campaigning on Twitter to have PK Phil Dawson voted onto the AFC Pro Bowl team. Dawson has yet to miss a field goal or an extra point this season.

Stay dialed in on the Cleveland Browns on Twitter at @CBSBrowns throughout the season with on-site updates from CBSSports.com RapidReports correspondent Marty Gitlin.