Browns training camp Day 1: News and notes as the unknown lingers
The Cleveland Browns took the field for their first day of training camp on Wednesday. While no fans were around, the media was allowed to observe for a portion of the practice.
The big question still remains as QB Deshaun Watson is present and practicing with no resolution from Judge Sue Robinson. After missing all of the 2021 season, Watson needs as much time as possible to get ready for whatever part of the 2022 season he will be playing.
The team needs to prepare for whichever quarterback will be starting early in the season.
After last year’s was about changes on the defensive side of the ball, this training camp is full of change on offense with new quarterbacks, receivers and a new starting center.
A few pieces of news and notes from day one of training camp:
Starter at QB
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
HC Kevin Stefanski made it clear once again that Jacoby Brissett would be the team’s starter if Watson is suspended. While not a surprise, final confirmation after some wondered if Josh Rosen’s signing was for something more than a camp arm competing for a backup or practice squad role.
Garrett Sets Expectations High for Defense
[Jeff Lange/Beacon Journal]
With a majority of the defense back from last year, DE Myles Garrett has set the bar high on that side of the ball:
#Browns Myles Garrett on the possibility of Deshaun Watson missing time:
"It doesn’t change regardless..we’re going to hold ourselves to a higher standard no matter what happens..our defense is going to do what we do. Last time I heard they can’t win if they don’t score points.”
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) July 27, 2022
Felton a Receiver
Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
While he may be a running back on the depth chart and in the program, Demetric Felton has been lining up as a receiver most of the offseason. That continued Wednesday:
Felton is lined up with the receivers, not a surprise given the current numbers game at RB and WR. https://t.co/qdrGl9EYKy
— Zac Jackson (@AkronJackson) July 27, 2022
Jack Conklin Should Return Soon
(AP Photo/Gail Burton)
Perhaps one of the biggest pieces of news out of the press conferences is that starting right tackle Jack Conklin is expected to practice during training camp. With his serious knee injury during the season last year, there was some concern that he would not be available early in the season but returning to practice in camp should put him in line to play in Week 1.
Other Injury Updates
The Browns put five players on different lists on the eve of training camp but, along with the Conklin update and news that the team is playing it safe with CB Denzel Ward, Stefanski noted that LB Anthony Walker and DL Sheldon Day would be healthy in time for the start of the season:
#Browns Kevin Stefanski said he expects Sheldon Day (back) and Anthony Walker (groin) to be ready Week 1.
— Camryn Justice (@camijustice) July 27, 2022
Notes from Albert Breer
(AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer was in Berea and brought home a few interesting notes:
S Grant Delpit is set for a big season and the team is excited for him to get a full training camp after injury took him out as a rookie and limited him last year.
Breer adds some WR Donovan Peoples-Jones hype. Last year’s training camp buzz fizzled during the season but WR Amari Cooper’s presence should help.
A few interesting slot options were for both sides of the ball.
The somewhat forgotten draft class got the final bit of attention with a reminder of just how important K Cade York is for this season.
