Cornerback Denzel Ward returned to practice for the first time since suffering a concussion in practice on August 12. (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 practice and interviews …
On the first day to add players cut from other teams, the Browns didn’t.
A total of 26 players were awarded to 16 teams, but the Browns were not awarded anybody. They are 23rd in the waiver order based on last season’s 11-6 record.
They also did not have a released player claimed by another team.
So, the Browns didn’t add a running back. They still have only two.
And they didn’t add a tight end. They still have only two.
And they still have four quarterbacks.
“Nothing new, nothing to report,” coach Kevin Stefanski said when asked for an update on his crowded quarterback room.
Amid conflicting reports that the Browns were open to trading Jameis Winston and open to trading Dorian Thompson-Robinson, they found no takers on the QB they’d most like to trade – Tyler Huntley.
All four, including Deshaun Watson, practiced on Wednesday.
The Warden is back
Cornerback Denzel Ward returned to the practice field for the first time since suffering a concussion in a collision with receiver Elijah Moore at practice on August 12.
Ward was wearing the protective Guardian cap on that play, but it didn’t prevent him from suffering what is believed to be the fifth concussion in his seven seasons with the Browns.
Prior to the most recent concussion, Ward and Stefanski said they were comfortable with Ward continuing to play despite his history with the head injury.
Has that changed after the most recent injury?
“I wouldn’t get into specifics to things that we talk about other than to say I continue to have a lot of faith in our medical group,” Stefanski said.
Practice squad primer
The Browns signed 13 players to their practice squad, all of whom were in their training camp.
They signed:
Defensive tackle Jowon Briggs, cornerback Tony Brown, receiver/returner Jaelon Darden, safety Christopher Edmonds, cornerback Justin Hardee, offensive lineman Germain Ifedi, defensive tackle Sam Kamara, offensive tackle Roy Mbaeteka, receiver/returner James Proche, linebacker Winston Reid, long snapper Rex Sunahara, offensive tackle Lorenzo Thompson, receiver Michael Woods.
* Practice squads were increased to 16 players in the 2020 COVID season. A 17th player from the International Player Pathway Program can be added. Mbaeteka is that 17th player for the Browns.
* Teams can now have as many six veteran players (more than two years accrued NFL service). An accrued season is defined as being on the roster for six or more games. Five of the Browns’ practice squad players qualify as veterans – Proche, Darden, Hardee, Brown and Ifedi. A sixth would be cornerback Mike Ford, whom the Browns are expected to add.
* Veteran players make $16,800 per week on the practice squad. The pay for non-veterans is $12,500.
* Given their shortage at running back and tight end, it’s surprising the Browns didn’t bring back D’Onta Foreman or Zaire Paden-Mitchell. Also, GM Andrew Berry has indicated he wants to have a place-kicker on the practice squad, so Lucas Havrisik is a possibility to return.
Brownie bits
Rookie receiver Jamari Thrash was voted the Maurice Bassett Award by the media as the outstanding rookie in training camp. Thrash led the team in 3 preseason games with 10 receptions for 141 yards, including a TD of 46 yards. “I’m always looking for any accolade or achievement,” Thrash said. “When I saw it I was kind of surprised by it.” Thrash was a fifth-round pick out of Louisville. The Browns have trained him as a kick returner in his first camp. He did not return kicks in four years at Georgia State and one year at Louisville …
Jack Conklin, who had his first team practice in 352 days on Tuesday, did not practice on Wednesday. Stefanski said it was just “part of ramping him up.” If all goes well, Conklin will make his first NFL start at left tackle in the opener against the Cowboys on September 8. Jedrick Wills, the Browns’ incumbent left tackle the past four seasons, still is not practicing …
This from defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson, after his second practice upon returning from arthroscopic knee surgery: “[Defensive coordinator Jim] Schwartz is going into his goodie bag and bringing stuff out for us.”