Browns minicamp opens: 3 injuries of note

The Cleveland Browns opened their mandatory minicamp on Tuesday as parts of the state of Ohio deal with the aftermath of thunderstorms and significant heat.

The two biggest stories remain at quarterback with Deshaun Watson and Baker Mayfield. Tuesday alone, we covered a report that two more lawsuits would be filed and then Watson talked for the first time since his initial press conference.

Mayfield and the team agreed that he would be excused from the mandatory minicamp while news broke that the Carolina Panthers had a sense of urgency in wanting to acquire the former Heisman Trophy winner.

That is a lot for day one of the minicamp.

Amari Cooper also spoke about his role as a leader for the team despite just joining.

Outside of Mayfield, everyone else was in attendance for Cleveland including Joel Bitonio who has skipped OTAs this offseason.

There are three injuries of note among players expected to contribute. None were injured at minicamp today but all three did not participate:

OL Jack Conklin

(AP Photo/Gail Burton)

Conklin was not seen at practice Tuesday but was in the building rehabbing from the devastating knee injury that cost him much of his 2021 season. Conklin restructured his contract this offseason to remain with the team and is an important link on the offensive line.

The Browns line struggled to replace the veteran after he went out but James Hudson III looked better as the year went on.

Conklin is expected to be ready to go for Week 1 but the team could take it slow and cautious until then.

CB Greedy Williams

Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Expected to start on the outside when Greg Newsome II slides inside, Williams has had a number of injury issues throughout his career. Some major, some minor. Teams are not required to share the nature of injuries at this point in the season.

KR/WR Jakeem Grant

Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Grant was signed primarily for his return skills but could also be an interesting gadget player in the offense. Last week, he was seen with his right leg wrapped up and did not participate. That lack of participation extended into this week.

With Grant on the sideline, a variety of players were seen returning kicks at minicamp on Tuesday including Donovan Peoples-Jones:

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