Cleveland Browns coach praises Raiders’ Brice Butler

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For the second time this season, an opposing coach praised a Raiders player who is rarely featured on offense.

Last month, Patriots coach Bill Belichick couldn’t stop gushing about what a weapon fullback Marcel Reece was. Reece had all of 11 touches in the first five games, before missing last weekend’s game with a quadriceps injury.

Wednesday, it was Browns coach Mike Pettine’s turn.

Receiver “Brice Butler jumps off the tape,” Pettine said in a conference call. “I know he doesn’t get a ton of touches, but when he does, he’s a major threat.”

The second-year speedster had a 55-yard catch Sunday but played all of 11 snaps. The week before, Butler had a 47-yard touchdown catch. He has seven catches for 147 yards on the season.

Newcomer Kenbrell Thompkins, in his second game since being claimed off waivers from the Patriots, had zero catches in 31 snaps.

“We tried to get Kenbrell involved, so his play count was up a little bit higher,” Raiders interim coach Tony Sparano said. “We probably have to spread that out a little bit more.”

OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 19: Brice Butler #12 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after completing a 55-yard pass reception in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at O.co Coliseum on October 19, 2014 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) less OAKLAND, CA - OCTOBER 19: Brice Butler #12 of the Oakland Raiders celebrates after completing a 55-yard pass reception in the first half against the Arizona Cardinals at O.co Coliseum on October 19, 2014 in ... more Photo: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Photo: Thearon W. Henderson / Getty Images Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Cleveland Browns coach praises Raiders’ Brice Butler 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Ausberry out: Tight end David Ausberry, who last week said he was 100 percent back from a knee injury, now has a potentially serious foot injury.

Sparano said Wednesday that he had not heard the full report yet but “I don't think it's going to be great.”

Ausberry missed all of last season, his third, with a shoulder injury and then this preseason with the knee injury.

The Raiders have got almost nothing out of the tight end position this season, as Mychal Rivera has struggled with drops and fumbles, and has 13 catches for 101 yards. Brian Leonhardt has four catches for 26 yards and a touchdown. Ausberry has two receptions for 14 yards.

Vic Tafur is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: vtafur@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @VicTafur