Cleveland Browns camp updates, day 11: Drew Forbes carted off with back injury

BEREA — The rain fell over Berea on Monday morning. It's forecasted to fall over it in the afternoon as well.

That may put the chances of the Browns holding an open training camp practice at 2 p.m. in jeopardy. The team announced a little before 12:30 p.m. the practice was still open, but with "limited activations."

That means most of the activities for fans will be closed. The Browns did say the photo opportunities, alumni signings, concessions — but not food truck — and the puppy pound will all still be open.

"If it's lightning, we'll go inside," Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said as the rain fell prior to practice. "But otherwise we'll be out."

All practices inside the fieldhouse are closed to the general public. Monday's practice, is just the third that was scheduled to be open to the fans between Aug. 1 and Aug. 24.

Whether or not the the Browns practice outside or inside, there will still be news to occur. Keep track here throughout the day for updates.

Offensive lineman Drew Forbes carted off with back injury

The Browns sustained a key injury to their offensive line depth on Monday as Drew Forbes was carted off the field near the end of practice. The team later stated it was a back injury.

Forbes has primarily served as a backup offensive guard. He's also played tackle in one game for the Detroit Lions last season.

Running back Jerome Ford leaves practice with hamstring injury

The Browns weren't able to escape Monday's full-contact practice in the rain without getting an injury scare. This one was to a key piece of their running back rotation behind Nick Chubb.

Jerome Ford hobbled off the field after a play with an injury to his right leg. After sitting down on the sideline with a trainer for a moment, he limped into the team facility.

The injury was later confirmed as a hamstring issue following practice.

Alex Wright, Isaiah Thomas both out with significant knee injuries

Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski confirmed Monday that both defensive ends Alex Wright and Isaiah Thomas will be out for some time with knee injuries. He indicated the injuries could bleed into the season.

Stefanski said one occurred before last Thursday's Hall of Fame Game, while the other occurred during the game. Thomas played in 25 defensive snaps in the game, while Wright played 15.

Both players were among the individuals who missed Sunday's practice. Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst Jr. also was out on Sunday after being poked in the eye.

The Browns currently have Myles Garrett, Za'Darius Smith, Ogbo Okoronkwo, Isaiah McGuire, Sam Kamara, Jeremiah Martin and the newly-signed Chuck Wiley on the roster at defensive end. Stefanski indicated he wasn't concerned about the position depth at this time, but "you monitor every position but feel comfortable with the guys that we have."

Team reps for Anthony Walker Jr., Sione Takitaki and Jakeem Grant Sr.

Three Browns players who had been taking the slow path to full recovery off season-ending injuries from last year took a substantial step forward on Monday. Linebackers Anthony Walker Jr. and Sione Takitaki, as well as receiver Jakeem Grant Sr. all took part in team drills for the first time this camp.

Walker is recovering from a torn quad tendon suffered last September, while Takitaki tore his ACL last December. Grant suffered a torn Achilles last training camp.

Grant, who was signed in the 2022 offseason to help with the return game, also took the first reps at kickoff return.

Tight end Harrison Bryant dealing with 'medical condition'

Another player whose status is up in the air for the time being is tight end Harrison Bryant. Stefanki would only say he's dealing with a "medical condition" when asked about it on Monday and declined any further comment.

Bryant hasn't participated in practice since the Browns returned from The Greenbrier last week.

Injuries at defensive end lead Cleveland Browns to sign Charles Wiley, release WR Ra'Shaun Henry

The Browns have been hit hard by injuries along the defensive line. That's especially true at defensive end, where a pair of second-year backups — Alex Wright and Isaiah Thomas — missed Sunday's practice due to knee injuries it was learned on Monday will keep them out for some time.

To add some depth there, the Browns announced the signing of defensive end Charles Wiley. Wiley, a University of Texas-San Antonio product, worked out for the team on Sunday.

Wiley spent time on practice squads with the Giants and Ravens last season. He has not appeared in a regular-season game.

To make room for Wiley, the Browns waived receiver Ra'Shaun Henry. Henry was signed on June 5, just ahead of the Browns' veteran minicamp.

Former Browns safety John Johnson III finds new home; Kareem Hunt taking a visit

Two former Browns who remained on the free agent market throughout the summer have either found a home or are taking a visit to a new one. Safety John Johnson III. per multiple reports, is going back to the Los Angeles Rams, while running back Kareem Hunt is taking a visit to the New Orleans Saints.

Johnson originally signed with the Browns prior to the 2021 season after spending his first four years with the Rams. He's reportedly getting a one-year deal.

Hunt spent the previous four seasons with the Browns after having been the NFL's rushing leader with the Kansas City Chiefs as a rookie in 2017. The Saints need a running back with Alvin Kamara scheduled to serve a three-game suspension and Eno Benjamin having suffered a torn Achilles.

Chris Easterling can be reached at ceasterling@thebeaconjournal.com. Read more about the Browns at www.beaconjournal.com/sports/browns. Follow him on Twitter at @ceasterlingABJ

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Browns camp updates, day 11: Drew Forbes carted off with back injury