After a trade with Seattle, Nick Harris returned to his role as backup to center Ethan Pocic and part-time lead-blocking fullback. (Cleveland Browns)
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Editor's note: Tony Grossi is a Cleveland Browns analyst for TheLandOnDemand.com and 850 ESPN Cleveland. He has covered the Browns since 1984.
Takeaways from Browns training camp Day 12 …
For the second time this summer, Kevin Stefanski dropped a news nugget on news-starved media members.
At the tail end of his daily briefing before practice, the coach of the Browns conceded that Deshaun Watson would play in the last preseason game in Seattle on August 24.
“That’s the plan,” he said.
Stefanski wants to make sure Watson gets past two days of competitive practices against the Minnesota Vikings this week unscathed by injury. Watson won’t play in the Vikings game on Saturday. Same with other starters.
So Stefanski is repeating the template he followed in the last preseason.
“You know, we’ve been pretty consistent with what we’ve done over the years, give or take a few players, give or take a few reps,” he said.
Last summer, Stefanski played starters on offense and defense in the final preseason game in Kansas City. Watson and offensive starters received 20 snaps in the first quarter.
The season opener isn’t until 15 days after the final preseason game in Seattle. It’s important Watson is re-acclimated to real game speed before the September 8 opener against Dallas. Watson hasn’t played a live game since beating the Ravens in Baltimore, 33-31, on November 12.
Stefanski christened the 2024 training camp at The Greenbrier Resort by uncharacteristically volunteering that he would retain play-calling duties despite a change in offensive coordinators and systems.
Welcome back
Center Nick Harris red-eyed from Seattle after a low-cost trade and rejoined his former teammates in time for the morning walk-through. He practiced in the afternoon and now assumes the role of backup to Ethan Pocic created by the fractured ankle suffered Saturday by Luke Wypler.
“I’m glad to have a job, have the opportunity to come back and compete in a place I’m comfortable in,” said the fifth-round pick in GM Andrew Berry’s first draft in 2020.
Harris signed with the Seahawks in March after the Browns didn’t seek to re-sign him.
“I was just weighing my options, seeing where I was in life, trying to make the best decision. All that said, I’m glad to be back,” said Harris, who played at University of Washington.
The trade – for an exchange of sixth- and seventh-round picks in 2026 – was good for the Browns because of Harris’ familiarity with the team and his proven versatility as a guard and a lead-block fullback.
He’s racking up some flight miles in the transaction. He’ll turn around and head back to Seattle for the Browns’ preseason finale next week.
Forget me not
Cornerbacks are supposed to have short memories, even amnesia, because they can’t let getting beat on one play affect the next play.
If so, M.J. Emerson has a problem. He remembers everything.
“Oh yeah, I remember everything from a kid when I was like 3 till now,” he said. “I remember every little thing from conversations, faces. That’s just me. I always remember everything.
“Some things it’s traumatic to remember, to be honest. But I feel like it’s a blessing. I like to remember what I need to and wash out the bad memories.”
Emerson said he’s a fast learner when he gets beat or covers a route wrong.
Last week, Emerson found himself defending Jerry Jeudy in one practice on a route Emerson remembers losing a year ago.
Stefanski remembered, too. He texted Emerson later that night and called it an “outstanding” rep.
Emerson has a real joy for going to work. He loved being one of three defensive starters to play against Green Bay (for 10 snaps) and is looking forward to the joint practices against the Vikings.
The one-on-one battles between Emerson and Denzel Ward v. Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison should be compelling. The practices are not open to the public.
“He’s one of best receivers in the game,” Emerson said of Jefferson. “I’m excited to get reps against him.”
Brownie bits
With starter Jedrick Wills still not cleared to practice, there are signs the Browns are preparing to start the regular season without him. For the first time in camp, James Hudson gave up first-team reps at left tackle. He rotated with acquired veterans Germain Ifedi and Hakeem Adeniji. The joint practices will tell the tale if one of those three can hold down the starting job until Wills returns – or force Berry to sign a veteran emergency fill-in …
Returning to practice were safety Juan Thornhill and defensive tackle Shelby Harris …
Out were receiver David Bell (up to two weeks with a quad), safety Ronnie Hickman (back), linebacker Jordan Hicks (week-to-week with undisclosed injury), defensive end Za'Darius Smith (knee), and tight end David Njoku (excused, personal) …
Right tackle Jack Conklin for the first time seen by media watched practice on the field. He’s still on PUP after September knee surgery …
M.J. Emerson towered above Elijah Moore and intercepted a Watson pass. Later, rookie Myles Harden picked Jameis Winston throwing for Ahmarean Brown …
Moore and Ward fell together to the ground on a rep in one-on-one drills. Ward was slow in getting up but didn’t miss any practice time.