As training camps heat up across the NFL, excitement is palpable, especially for the Cleveland Browns. They’re in full swing at their Berea, Ohio camp, and there’s a treasure trove of insights emerging from the field. Here’s what we’re seeing and hearing, from standout performances to quarterback battles, to roster decisions that could shape the upcoming season.
Latest Insights from Browns Camp
In a surprise twist, linebacker Jordan Hicks has announced his retirement after a decade in the league, leaving a void for the Browns on both the field and in the locker room. Meanwhile, the quarterback competition is the talk of the town, with four players vying for the top spot. Of course, with veteran Joe Flacco taking the reins during practice due to Kenny Pickett’s hamstring injury, this battle is heating up.
On July 28, Flacco showcased his experience, taking the majority of snaps with the first-team offense while Pickett recovers. In a promising sign, rookie Dillon Gabriel also got a taste of first-team action, splitting reps with fellow rookie Shedeur Sanders. And speaking of highlights, Sanders delivered an impressive deep touchdown pass to tight end Sal Cannella, rolling out under pressure and connecting perfectly to cap off a solid practice session.
Interestingly, head coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned a shift in practice strategy, moving away from two-spotting – a method that divides the offense into two fields – which could affect how much exposure the rookies receive during their evaluation period.
Rookies and Breakouts
Rookie linebacker Carson Schwesinger is making waves too. He delivered a thunderous hit on running back Dylan Sampson that lit up the defensive sideline, showcasing his potential to step up this season with established starters like Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah and the retired Jerome Hicks not in the mix.
Wide receiver Diontae Johnson, now in his fourth team in just two seasons, is visibly moving up the depth chart. Notably, Johnson made two eye-catching catches from Gabriel, one being a remarkable fingertip grab that hints at his playmaking ability.
After sitting out the initial week with an undisclosed injury, running back Jerome Ford is back on the field, though he eased back into the groove with individual drills.
The QB Battle Continues
The quarterback showdown intensified on July 26 when both Pickett and Sanders turned heads during red zone drills. Pickett threw two consecutive touchdown passes, while Sanders matched that with three scores, including a deep ball to wide receiver Luke Floriea. With Flacco’s experience and the promising talent of the rookies, it remains to be seen how the final hierarchy will shake out as padded practices approach.
The Browns are taking a brief break for Sunday, with Stefanski’s staff expected to regroup and discuss the evolving QB rotation before the first full padded practice begins. The team’s early chemistry will be tested soon, and every practice counts as the countdown to the preseason ticks down.
Updates on Roster Dynamics
In terms of roster movement, Friday brought some concern as wide receiver Cedric Tillman exited practice with a lower leg injury, though coach Stefanski expressed relief, saying, “I think we dodged a bullet.”
However, the team is also grappling with off-field issues. General manager Andrew Berry provided an update on unsigned rookie running back Quinshon Judkins, who is entangled in legal challenges, stating that the team is still gathering information. How Judkins’ situation unfolds could impact the roster significantly, especially considering the Browns’ position as one of the few teams still negotiating rookie signings.
As training camp unfolds, every rep, every throw, and every decision carries weight. Stay tuned as we continue to dig deeper into the storylines that will define the Browns’ quest for success in the upcoming season. The excitement is just beginning, and there’s plenty more to come as we edge closer to the first preseason game!
